TWO men have been jailed following 35 incidents of car and building windows being smashed along the A272 between June and September last year.

Damage was caused to vehicles and buildings along the A272 between Petersfield and Winchester by stones, or similar objects such as ball bearings.

Alec Hammerton, 43, of Fieldmere Close, Witney, Oxfordshire, and Damon Jennings, 44, of Manorfileds Road, Milton Keynes, were both charged with conspiracy to damage or destroy property. They pleaded guilty at Winchester Crown Court on January 6 for conspiring to commit criminal damage.

Both men were each sentenced to eight months in prison on January 21.

Police spokesman Karen Slade said: “This was a mindless campaign to cause criminal damage which has had a devastating effect on the community.

Some residents felt as though they were being individually targeted as their vehicles were damaged on multiple occasions.

“Due to the length of time the defendants continued their campaign, some residents considered moving address. I am pleased that the courts have reflected the seriousness of these crimes in the sentences that have been imposed.

“The victims will hopefully be reassured that the defendants can no longer cause havoc in their community. I would like to thank the victims for their assistance during this investigation as their involvement was key to catching both men.”