A serial burglar from Wiltshire has been jailed after stealing bottles of champagne.

William Gifford, of Upper Minety, was sighted leaving the outbuilding of a property in the village, from which alcohol and food were discovered missing on Tuesday, August 8.

The 39-year-old was swiftly located and arrested, and food and bottles of champagne matching those stolen were located at his property and seized.

Gifford was charged with burglary of a non-dwelling building and was remanded in custody to appear in court the following morning.

He appeared at Swindon Magistrates’ Court on Thursday, August 10, and pleaded guilty to the burglary.

He was sentenced to 18 weeks in prison for the burglary, while a suspended sentence of 14 weeks for a similar offence in December 2022 was also activated.

This resulted in a total sentence of 32 weeks.

Acting Detective Inspector Steve Edwards said: “Gifford is a repeat offender and I’m pleased that he has now been given a prison sentence, during which he can hopefully reflect on his crimes.

“We take all burglaries very seriously, no matter the manner of them or the items taken, as they are incredibly invasive and affect a person’s sense of security and peace in their own home.

“Wiltshire Police has recently set up a new Burglary team which is dedicated to ensuring people can feel safe in their home and that burglars are brought to justice.”