Key Takeaways:
- Wesley Bradley, a 21-year-old serial offender, was jailed for 35 months for burglary, theft, and possession of cannabis.
- Bradley had previously promised a judge he would change his ways, but instead continued his "total commitment to crime".
- The victim of one of Bradley’s burglaries, an 80-year-old woman, expressed hope that he would choose a better path in the future despite the "horrible shock" he gave her.
- Bradley has 11 previous convictions for 40 offences since 2020, including robbery, burglary, and possession of controlled drugs with intent to supply.
- The judge expressed concern that Bradley’s record would only continue to worsen unless he made a significant change in his life.
Introduction to the Case
The case of Wesley Bradley, a 21-year-old serial offender, is a disturbing example of a young person’s "total commitment to crime". Despite promising a judge that he would change his ways, Bradley continued to commit burglaries and other offences, leaving his victims shaken and upset. The latest incident involved the burglary of an 80-year-old woman’s house, where he stole her car and contents of her handbag. This article will explore the details of the case, the impact on the victims, and the sentencing of Bradley.
The Burglary and Its Aftermath
The burglary occurred on August 16, when the 80-year-old woman went to bed at around 11:30 pm, only to wake up the next morning to find her front door open and her car missing. The intruder had entered the house through a small downstairs window that had been left slightly open overnight. The victim was left shaken and upset, stating that it was a "horrible shock" to find that a stranger had been in her home while she slept. The contents of her handbag, including her keys, had been stolen, and her car was later recovered with Bradley’s fingerprints inside.
The Victim’s Statement
The victim’s statement, read out in court, expressed her hope that Bradley would choose a better path in the future. Despite the trauma she had experienced, she showed remarkable dignity and compassion, stating that she hoped Bradley would realize the upset he had caused and change his ways. Her statement also highlighted the impact of the burglary on her daily life, leaving her feeling shaken and upset. The victim’s words were a powerful reminder of the human cost of crime and the importance of rehabilitation and restorative justice.
Bradley’s History of Offending
Bradley’s history of offending is a long and troubling one, with 11 previous convictions for 40 offences since 2020. His crimes include robbery, burglary, possession of controlled drugs with intent to supply, and dangerous driving. He had also been handed a suspended three-month prison sentence in May this year for aggravated vehicle taking. Despite his promises to change, Bradley continued to commit crimes, demonstrating a "total commitment to crime" that has had a devastating impact on his victims.
The Sentencing
Bradley was sentenced to 35 months in prison for his latest offences, including burglary, theft of a motor vehicle, and possession of cannabis. The judge, Anil Murray, expressed concern that Bradley’s record would only continue to worsen unless he made a significant change in his life. The judge also noted that Bradley’s actions had a huge impact on his victims, leaving them feeling unsafe and scared. Bradley’s response to his sentence was dismissive, saying "thank you boss" as he was led away.
Conclusion and Reflection
The case of Wesley Bradley is a sobering reminder of the challenges faced by the criminal justice system in rehabilitating young offenders. Despite the best efforts of judges, lawyers, and social workers, some individuals continue to commit crimes, causing harm and trauma to their victims. The victim’s statement in this case highlights the importance of compassion and restorative justice, and the need for offenders to take responsibility for their actions and make amends. As Bradley begins his prison sentence, it remains to be seen whether he will take this opportunity to reflect on his actions and make a positive change in his life.
