Salisbury man jailed for several targeted offences against victim

Tuesday, 31 March 2026 14:53

A 32-year-old man has been jailed after admitting a string of offences of criminal damage, which left his victim and her family living in fear.

James Stockwell, of Friary Lane, Salisbury, pleaded guilty to four counts of criminal damage and dangerous driving.

On Friday at Salisbury Crown Court, he was jailed for 28 months.

The charges relate to targeted incidents of criminal damage, which saw him throw bricks at the windows of his victim’s home address, as well as her family’s home address. He also slashed the tyres to their vehicles.

On the night he was arrested on February 21, Stockwell was seen to leave the scene in a BMW.

Enquiries led police to his vehicle in a layby in Ower, and when they approached the vehicle, it made off. A pursuit was authorised, which saw Stockwell driving dangerously before crashing the vehicle into a tree and fleeing the scene.

He was later arrested and charged with multiple offences.

Sgt Megan Peroni said: “Stockwell’s string of offending was targeted and left his victim living in fear of what he may do next.

“When officers attended the scene of the criminal damage on February 21, enquiries led them to believe that Stockwell had fled towards Southampton along the A36 in a dark coloured BMW.

“When located, Stockwell drove off and was witnessed driving in a dangerous manner. His actions behind the wheel were extremely dangerous and showed a complete disregard for the safety of other road users.

“During the pursuit he crossed solid white lines, drove through red traffic lights at speed and ignored road signs, putting members of the public at serious risk.

“It is sheer luck that nobody was seriously injured as a result of his reckless behaviour and desperate attempt to evade police.”