**WARNING: GRAPHIC CONTENT** Court hears of murder plans centred on Hamstead Marshall pub

*WARNING GRAPHIC CONTENT*

Following a Thames Valley Police investigation, a man has been convicted in relation to multiple burglaries in Hamstead Marshall near Newbury.

Jacob Power, aged 22, of Ash Tree Grove, Hamstead Marshall, pleaded guilty to four counts of burglary, three counts of criminal damage, and one count each of attempted burglary and possession of a controlled drug of class B, namely cannabis, at Reading Crown Court on 4 August.

Following a two-week trial, a jury found Power not guilty of six counts of aggravated burglary and two counts of attempted aggravated burglary at the same court today (18/8).

Power was remanded in custody and is due to be sentenced on 19 September.

Power was referred to mental health services by his GP after having increasing thoughts of wanting to torture and murder people. He repeated these thoughts to mental health professionals, as well as that he wanted to dispose of their bodies in graves and he wanted to be a serial killer. But he said that these were just thoughts, they had never progressed to any plan to carry any of them out.  

However, Power made detailed plans matching his thoughts, which he called a ‘kill list’; in particular, to break into The White Hart pub in Hamstead Marshall, and to rob, torture, and murder the occupants. He had acquired some of the weapons and other items he needed to be able to carry out his plans. He had dug graves in woodland behind his home, ready for him to dispose of their bodies.

On 7 November last year, Power broke into the pub with a backpack, thought to contain knives and other items. He disabled the CCTV system and stole the recording box as well as keys to rooms and some items from the occupants, who were not there.

Power broke in again a few days later, but again, no one was there. On that occasion, he stole more room keys.

On a third occasion, on 28 November last year, Power went to The White Hart pub and attempted to break into the flat above the pub where the occupants lived but he was unable to get in and damaged the lock on the door.

On 11 February this year, police received a request to carry out a welfare check on Power at his home address as mental health professionals were not able to contact him or his mother.

It was during this welfare check that officers became aware of the previous offending.

Officers attended Power’s address and his mother agreed to them conducting a search. They found a huge amount of items of interest, including weapons, such as knives, air pistols, ammunition, a Samurai sword, plus masks, duct tape, ropes, and chains.

The officers also found Power’s extensive notes, the CCTV recording box from the pub, and the stolen keys.

Power was arrested and detained under the Mental Health Act 1983.

The footage on the CCTV recording box showed a figure dressed in distinctive clothing wearing a balaclava in the pub on 7 November with a backpack that from its shape contained a number of items. The graves Power had dug in woodland behind his home were also found.

Power was re-arrested on 27 February this year. Officers then undertook a further search of Power’s address and located the jacket, trainers and gloves that matched the CCTV footage. He was charged the same day.

Power was originally charged with one count of attempted murder but this was taken off the indictment before the trial.

Investigating officer Detective Constable Isabelle Denis, of Berkshire West CID, said: “I am pleased Jacob Power has been convicted and remanded in custody, ensuring he cannot harm the public.

“It is extremely fortunate the occupants of The White Hart pub in Hamstead Marshall were not in when Power broke in on three occasions as we believe he would have continued to follow the disturbing and terrifying plan involving torture and murder found in his notes.

“Thankfully, no one was hurt and we were able to protect the public by arresting Power and seizing his weapons.

“Understandably, this has been upsetting for the people involved but we are supporting them and hope this conviction will help them move on.

“We are committed to protecting the public and will always look to bring offenders such as Power before the courts.”