Christopher Doughty jailed for planning robbery from his prison cell

Christopher Doughty, 63, was sentenced to 14 years, plus five years on extended licence, at Winchester Crown Court. 

On Tuesday, November 21, a jury found him guilty of conspiring from his cell at HMP Erlestoke with Eriks Valants and Jed Martin to rob the home of Susan Hunt in Leckford, near Stockbridge, on March 23, 2020.

Valants and Martin were sentenced to 10 years in prison in April 2021 for their roles in the crime.

Andrew Houston, prosecuting, said that the incident had left Mrs Hunt feeling 'extremely vulnerable'.

He said: “She was scared of being physically hurt. They stole items including irreplaceable jewellery. She said it made her feel extremely sad. 

“Damage done to her windows left her feeling utterly violated. 

READ MORE: Man found guilty of helping to plan robbery from prison cell

“She suffered from repeated flashbacks of being woken in the middle of the night with masked men standing over her. She said she is unable to sleep continuously through the night and that she feels like a prisoner in her own home. She used to have a busy social life, but the robbery has had a huge impact on her personality. She struggles to motivate herself. The impact has been life changing.

“There are no quick fixes in recovering from an incident like this.”

The court heard that Doughty had committed 16 burglaries between 1976 and 2015. 

Gordon Carse, mitigating, said: “He's 63 and he knows the impact the offences he commits have on him and his loved ones. In his own words, he's too old for this. The offence was four years ago and he has not been caught with mobile phones or contraband since. He's a grandfather who has played an important part in his family's life.”

Sentencing Doughty, Recorder Daniel Sawyer said: “You've spent most of the last 15 years in prison. This offence left the victim feeling violated and vulnerable. 

“You should know the impact of these offences on victims. The level of callousness and greed is quite staggering. 

“You were used as a consultant for your experience. I have heard you have made good use of your time in prison, relatively speaking. 

“You are a much loved father and grandfather, but your absence is your fault.”

Doughty was sentenced to 14 years with an extended licence period of five years. This starts immediately, concurrent with the sentence he is currently serving. 

The prosecution is seeking compensation under the Proceeds of Crime Act, with a hearing due on April 15 next year.