Man who made pub 'kill list' admits to burglaries

Jacob Power made detailed plans to break into The White Hart Pub in Berkshire

Warning: This article contains graphic content

A man who created a "kill list" while plotting to torture and murder people during a planned break-in at a pub has admitted to multiple burglaries.

Jacob Power's plan to raid The White Hart Pub in Hamstead Marshall, Berkshire, was only discovered when police carried out a welfare check in February and found weapons and extensive notes at his home.

The 22-year-old pleaded guilty at Reading Crown Court on 4 August to four counts of burglary, three counts of criminal damage, attempted burglary and possession of a controlled Class B drug.

Power, of Ash Tree Grove, Hamstead Marshall, was found not guilty at the same court on Monday of six counts of aggravated burglary and two counts of attempted aggravated burglary. He will be sentenced on 19 September.

Equipment including cleaning supplies were found as part of Power's plans

Thames Valley Police said Power was referred to mental health services by his GP after having increasing thoughts of wanting to torture and murder people.

He made detailed plans, which he called a "kill list", and acquired some of the weapons and other items he needed, including cleaning supplies.

He also dug graves in woodland behind his home, police said.

Police also found a trove of evidence at Power's home

On 7 November 2024, Power broke into the pub with a backpack, thought to contain knives and other items, and disabled the CCTV system. He also stole the recording box, keys to rooms, and some other items.

He broke in again a few days later when no one was there again and stole more room keys, and on 28 November he attempted to break into the flat above the pub, but was unable to get in.

On 11 February this year, police received a request to carry out a welfare check on Power at his home address, as mental health professionals were not able to contact him or his mother.

They found weapons including knives, air pistols, ammunition, a Samurai sword, masks, duct tape, ropes and chains.

The officers also found Power's extensive notes, the CCTV recording box from the pub and the stolen keys.

Power dug graves in the woodland behind his house

Power was arrested and detained under the Mental Health Act.

The CCTV footage showed a figure wearing a balaclava in the pub on 7 November, and police found the graves Power had dug in the woodland.

He was re-arrested on 27 February and charged the same day.

He was originally charged with one count of attempted murder but this was taken off the indictment before the trial.

Weapons including knives were found at the address

Investigating officer Det Con Isabelle Denis said it was "extremely fortunate" the occupants of the pub were not home when Power broke in.

"Thankfully, no one was hurt and we were able to protect the public by arresting Power and seizing his weapons.

"Understandably, this has been upsetting for the people involved but we are supporting them and hope this conviction will help them move on."