Man Who Fantasised About Becoming a Serial Killer Jailed After Chilling Discovery
A 22-year-old man who openly expressed a desire to become a serial killer has been jailed after police uncovered disturbing plans to kill, torture and bury victims in graves he had already dug.
Jacob Power, of Ash Tree Grove in Hamstead Marshall, was sentenced to two years and six months in prison at Reading Crown Court today (September 19).
Power previously pleaded guilty to four counts of burglary, three counts of criminal damage, one count of attempted burglary and possession of a Class B drug (cannabis). He had denied multiple counts of aggravated burglary and attempted aggravated burglary, and a jury cleared him of those charges after a two-week trial last month.
Disturbing Confessions to Doctors
The court heard how Power was first referred to mental health services by his GP after he began having increasingly violent thoughts. He confided to professionals that he wanted to torture and murder people, dispose of their bodies in graves, and ultimately “become a serial killer.”
Although he insisted these were only fantasies and that he had no intention of acting on them, a police investigation later revealed otherwise. Officers discovered detailed notes, which Power called his “kill list,” laying out plans to attack, torture and murder people.
Targeting the White Hart Pub
One of Power’s main targets was the White Hart pub in Hampstead Marshall. According to police, he intended not only to break in and rob the premises but also to attack and kill the occupants.
In preparation, he acquired knives, weapons, masks, duct tape, ropes and chains. Officers later discovered he had even dug graves in woodland behind his home to conceal victims’ bodies.
On November 7, 2024, Power carried out a break-in at the pub. CCTV footage showed a figure in a balaclava, carrying a large backpack believed to contain weapons and other items. Power disabled the security system, stole the recording box, and took keys and other property.
He returned a few days later to commit another burglary, again taking keys but encountering no one inside. On November 28, he attempted to break into the flat above the pub where residents lived but failed to gain access, damaging the lock in the process.
Shocking Discovery During Welfare Check
Police attention returned to Power in February this year when mental health professionals requested a welfare check after being unable to reach him or his mother.
When officers visited his home, they uncovered a cache of dangerous items, including knives, air pistols, ammunition, a Samurai sword, masks, duct tape and chains. They also recovered the stolen CCTV recording box from the pub, stolen keys, and Power’s detailed notes.
The graves dug in the woodland behind his house confirmed his chilling preparations.
Power was initially detained under the Mental Health Act. After further searches and the recovery of clothing that matched the suspect seen in the CCTV footage, he was re-arrested on February 27 and later charged.
Original Attempted Murder Charge Dropped
At one stage, Power faced a charge of attempted murder, but this was removed from the indictment before his trial began.
Speaking after sentencing, Detective Constable Isabelle Denis, of Berkshire West CID, described the case as deeply troubling:
“Jacob Power has now been sentenced for these burglaries, which on the face of them seem ordinary. However, knowing what we found in his bedroom, Power’s behaviour is disturbing so I am pleased he has been sentenced following our investigation.
We are resolute in our commitment to protecting the public and will always look to bring offenders like Power to justice.”
A Case That Raises Alarming Questions
Although Power is now behind bars, the case raises unsettling questions about how close he came to carrying out his violent fantasies. With graves already dug, weapons prepared, and a target identified, his actions went far beyond daydreams of violence.
For now, Power’s sentence ensures he is no longer a threat to the public. But the case serves as a stark reminder of the thin line between dangerous fantasies and their potential to spill into reality.
