A MAN has been found guilty of helping to plan a robbery from his prison cell.

Christopher Doughty, 62, has been on trial at Winchester Crown Court since Wednesday, November 8. 

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

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

The trial heard that Doughty made a series of phone calls and sent text messages to Valants and Martin around the time of the robbery.

The jury was shown a police interview with the victim, Mrs Hunt, where she described being tied to her staircase and a pillow put over her head. 

They stole cash and jewellery including a Cartier ring, Omega watch, three-string pearl necklace, and David Morris pearl and diamond necklace with matching earrings. A Military Cross medal from the Second World War was also taken. 

The total value of the items was more than £200,000. 

Before the verdict, Recorder Daniel Sawyer told the jury: “Doughty denied knowing about the robbery. He says he doesn't know the area and has never been to Leckford. 

“He was convicted in 2008 of robbery and conspiring to handle stolen goods. The prosecution say this is similar to the Leckford robbery. After that sentence, he was out of prison for one year before an aggravated burglary sentence in 2015. 

“The prosecution say Doughty used a phone to advise the robbers. The defence say the robbery was generic and didn't need a specialist consultant and Doughty had no inside knowledge.”

Doughty will be sentenced on Monday, December 11.