Royal South Hants Hospital burglar wore medical disguise

Alexander Slowik was seen on CCTV reaching for his disguise before walking down the X-ray reception corridor at the the Royal South Hants Hospital in Brintons Terrace.

Southampton Crown Court heard how a female patient spotted the 28-year-old before he stole a laptop.

Royal South Hants Hospital

Slowik, of Landguard Road, Southampton, was spotted at the scene and arrested "almost immediately".

The 28-year-old answered no comment to all questions asked in interview following the incident on November 8 last year. 

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But after pleading guilty to burglary, Judge Christopher Parker KC said the laptop was valuable, adding: "This was something that had the potential to adversely affect a very large number of people."

The offence was part of a "campaign" of offending that also saw Slowik break into Richard Taunton College on Hill Lane looking for somewhere to sleep.

At about 1.09am on the morning of November 25, 2023, a potential break-in was reported at the college's sports hall.

Police attended and after a short chase, Slowik was arrested. 

He was found with a bag of amphetamine and a bag with electrical items in it - but when interviewed, he told police he had been "sleeping rough" and "had no intent to steal", adding he was "looking for somewhere to sleep". 

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Slowik, who has eight previous convictions for 12 offences, pleaded guilty to another count of burglary as well as possession of amphetamine and breaching a conditional discharge. 

He also admitted two counts of theft, criminal damage, assault, engaging in threatening or abusive behaviour and possession of a sharp-pointed article. 

These offences took place in January and April this year and include offences against his brother-in-law in Earls Court, Southampton. 

Alexander Slowik (Image: Hampshire Constabulary) Mitigating, Holly Fagan told the court he had shown remorse and was 'determined to turn over a new leaf', attending alcoholics anonymous meetings in prison.

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She said: "It was at the lowest points of his life in the grips of alcohol. He says being drunk and on drugs is obviously absolutely no excuse."

Jailing him for two years, Judge Parker added: "It seems to me that the overall offending is so serious that there cannot be a suspended sentence order in your case."

Prosecutor, Laura D'alessandro added that Slowik had served 124 days in custody so far whilst awaiting sentence which will count towards his remaining prison time.