Two Southampton men spared jail after Isle of Wight Co-op raid

Billy Craig Connis, 33, of Bernard Street, and Thomas Weller, 38, of Mousehole Lane, attended the Isle of Wight Crown Court on Wednesday, July 24.

The pair previously pleaded guilty to burglary, with Connis admitting a further charge of possessing an offensive weapon in a private place and Weller driving without insurance. 

Nicholas Mather, prosecuting, said Connis and Weller were part of a four-man crew who targeted a Co-op store on Sandown High Street on February 14.

Police outside Co-op on Sandown High Street (Image: IWCP)

Mr Mather told the court that the burglars arrived on the Isle of Wight at 8.45pm and drove to various locations, ending up in Sandown.

Upon arrival, three people got out of the vehicle, including Connis, who was on lookout, while Weller remained inside as the getaway driver, the court heard.

The other two burglars, who have not been identified, used a crowbar to enter the Co-op store, causing between £2,000 to 4,000 worth of damage, and broke into the tills, stealing £5,130, said Mr Mather.

The court heard that after the burglary, the two unidentified burglars boarded a ferry and left the Island, but police caught up with Connis and Weller at the Red Jet terminal in Cowes and arrested them.

Mr Mather said that further investigation found that Weller did not have insurance to drive the Vauxhall Zafira involved and, after a search at Connis’s address, several curved swords were discovered.

At the time of the offences, Connis was subject to a suspended sentence following his conviction for affray in January.

Chris Gaiger, defending Connis, admitted the burglary took some degree of planning, but Connis took a ‘lesser role’ as lookout.

Mr Gaiger told the court that Connis was unaware the law had changed regarding weapons in a private place and intended to hang up his swords as decorative items.

The court heard that Connis was looking for a quick way to earn cash to avoid his family being evicted and had been going through a tough time following the death of his mother.

Casey Chard, defending Weller, said his client is fully remorseful, made clear admissions of guilt in police interviews and made no attempt to undermine his actions.

Mr Chard told the court Weller had been experiencing financial difficulties after booking an expensive holiday.

He thought the burglary was a ‘quick fix’ said Mr Chard.

Judge William Ashworth sentenced Weller to an 18-month community order, including 100 hours of unpaid work, and was disqualified from driving for three months.

Weller must also pay £2,000 compensation to Co-op and £950 in court costs.

Connis was handed an eight-month sentence for burglary and four months for the weapon offence, to be served consecutively but suspended for two years.