Man who robbed men in canal boats jailed for a decade

A man who forced his way into two canal boats in Fazeley and robbed two men has been jailed for a decade.

Bradley Paul Smith, 36, of no fixed abode, was sentenced to 10-years in prison after he was found guilty at an earlier trial of robbery, burglary with intent to inflict grievous bodily harm, burglary dwelling and intimidating a witness. He will also serve an extended licence period of three years.

The first incident happened in October last year. Smith turned up outside a canal barge in the early hours, banging on the door. When the man inside opened it, Smith forced his way inside.

The victim managed to escape through the back entrance to the barge. He suffered injuries during the robbery. He knew who Smith was, having gone to a local pub together the night before the incident took place.

Smith took the victim’s phone but witnesses called police about the incident. By this point, Smith had already left the scene.

When the victim went back on to his barge, he noticed cash, aftershave and his bank card were missing.

Then, in a separate incident in December last year, Smith broke into another barge. He threatened the man inside and told him to drive him somewhere in Tamworth, which the man agreed to do. Smith also stole alcohol from the boat.

As they were driving, the man altered course for a nearby police station, prompting Smith to ask him to stop the car so he could get out.

The same victim was targeted again by Smith in January this year. He broke into his canal barge late at night and hit the victim over the head with a brick, which was understood to be a clear attempt to intimidate the victim following the previous incident.

After building all of the evidence, we secured a series of charges against Smith and brought him before the courts. He denied all of the offences but was found guilty by the jury.

Detective Constable Emily Clachan, from our criminal investigations department, said: “Smith’s crimes were violent and intrusive. I’m pleased that we’ve been able to build all of the evidence needed to prove what he did to the jurors in court.

“Those intent on violence and theft in Staffordshire are being targeted proactively every single day as we continue to act robustly against those responsible for harm in our communities.”