Man Sentenced to Two Years for Supermarket Ram-Raid Attempt

A man has received a two-year custodial sentence following an attempted ram-raid targeting a supermarket. Jack Bradley, aged 25 and a resident of Cheltenham, fled the scene in a white van after his attempt to breach the Tesco superstore in Bishop’s Cleeve during the early hours of 6 December 2023. Regarding Bradley’s conduct, Judge Lawrie KC stated: “It was a spectacularly stupid thing to do regardless of how incompetently it was carried out.” The sentencing took place at Gloucester Crown Court on Tuesday. Surveillance camera recordings depicted Bradley, accompanied by two other individuals, accelerating into the entrance area of the Church Road establishment while employees were stocking shelves within. The individuals removed Christmas trees from the atrium before backing their vehicle towards the primary steel shutters. Following five or six efforts, they ceased their actions, having only caused a minor indentation to the shutter. Bradley’s apprehension resulted from DNA evidence discovered on a discarded tissue, the van’s steering wheel, and a vape pen found inside the vehicle. A statement provided by the store manager at the time indicated that staff members were “very frightened” and contacted emergency services by dialling 999. During his interrogation, Bradley acknowledged his participation; however, his legal defence contended that he was a reluctant participant, merely following instructions from the other two individuals. He was convicted on a charge of committing burglary other than a dwelling with intent to steal. While imposing the sentence on Bradley, who attended the hearing via video link from HMP Hewell Grange, Judge Lawrie KC described the incident as “a group action with an element of planning”. He further remarked, “Your incompetence caused significant damage and other consequential loss.” He added, “A lot of people were very frightened and you gave no thought to that – you knew exactly what you were doing but didn’t do it very well.” Concluding, the judge stated, “I hope I never see you again – but I suspect that I will.”