Three men jailed for stealing Openreach cable in Norfolk

Earnest Oakley, 32, of Swanton Road, Norwich, was sentenced to four years and 10 months in prison after admitting to six counts of theft.

He was also sentenced on the same day for an unrelated assault on his 26-day-old son, bringing his total sentence to six years, with both terms to be served consecutively.

Earnest Oakley, 32, was also sentenced for assaulting his 26-day-old son (Image: Norfolk Constabulary)

Oakley was one of three men jailed for stealing more than £100,000 worth of telecommunications cable.

Henry Harbour, 30, of Meadow Lane, Runwell, Essex, was also jailed for four years 10 months after admitting to six counts of theft.

Scott McIntosh, 58, of Darrell Place, Norwich, was sentenced to three years and eight months for handling stolen goods.

All were sentenced at Norwich Crown Court on Wednesday (September 30).

Henry Harbour, 30, was sentenced to four years and 10 months after admitting to six counts of theft (Image: Norfolk Constabulary)

An investigation began in 2022 following a series of copper cable thefts from Openreach.

The offences took place mainly in rural parts of north Norfolk and Broadland, including Colton, Shipdham and Great Witchingham.

The thieves accessed manhole covers, cut the cables and winched them out, leaving many Openreach customers without service.

PC Phil Cook from Norfolk Constabulary said: "These men showed a complete disregard for the significant impact their crimes would have on local communities.

Scott McIntosh, 58, was sentenced to three years and eight months in jail after admitting to handling stolen goods (Image: Norfolk Constabulary)

"Their thefts had the potential to leave vulnerable people in rural areas unable to call for help when they needed it most, while also causing disruption and inconvenience to local businesses and residents.

"The offences also had a substantial financial impact on Openreach, including the cost of replacing stolen copper cable and carrying out associated repairs.

"We welcome the sentences handed down by the court and the fact that all three men have now been jailed for their actions."

Oakley and Harbour were arrested in July 2022, while McIntosh was arrested a month later.

More than £100,000 worth of copper cable was stolen by the group. (Image: Norfolk Constabulary)

All three were charged in July 2024 and appeared in court the following month.

Andy Shepherd, director for resilience and integrity at Openreach, added: "Cable theft causes real harm.

"When phone and broadband services are taken out, it’s not just frustrating – it can leave vulnerable people without the support they rely on.

"That’s why we’re pleased to have worked closely with Norfolk Police and local partners on a joined-up approach that’s delivered a positive result."