£7k coats thief spared prison
A BURGLAR betrayed by a button after breaking into the Orvis store has been given a second chance by a compassionate judge.
Danny Wilson, 48, was sentenced at York Crown Court on Tuesday for stealing 7,000 worth of Barbour jackets from the West Park clothing store.
He had been caught after an eagle-eyed police officer investigating the crime had spotted a Barbour button on the floor of his car.
But a tolerant judge has granted the jobless heroin addict a reprieve, pleading with Wilson to "seize this opportunity" to get his life back on track.
Judge Stephen Ashurst, giving Wilson a 12 month suspended sentence, said: "The purpose of taking this leniency with you is to see if you can build on your promise. I hope long term it will provide you with better protection."
The court had heard how Wilson, of Autumn Terrace in Leeds, had broken into the Orvis store on Saturday November 21, stealing a rack of Barbour jackets worth around 7,000.
Police had been alerted, and seeing Wilson's car leaving the rear of the West Park store, followed. Stopping the car, they spotted the incriminating Barbour button.
David Garnett, prosecuting, said that Wilson had a record for burglary dating back to 1983, and at the time of the offence had been on a suspended sentence for burglary at an Iceland store on Kirkstall Road, Leeds, in April last year.
But Catherine Duffy, defending, asked the judge to consider the long gaps in Wilson's record, where he had led a law-abiding life, working as a roofer.
"But Mr Wilson has suffered, and continues to suffer, from mental health problems, as a result of which he has not worked for two years," she said.
"Two of his brothers committed suicide, the last brother he lost only two years ago. Mr Wilson, struggling to cope with the situation, turned to heroin.
"He is now very keen to turn away from drugs. Mr Wilson has a good relationship with his family. He has stopped associating with others that are offending. He is now motivated to make positive changes with his life.
"I would ask that any sentence that your honour considers would allow some hope for the future."
Judge Ashurst, sentencing Wilson to 12 months, suspended for two years, for each burglary, said: "You are someone with a slightly unusual history, who got into trouble in your 20s and went to borstal. Your offending record for dishonesty has some very considerable gaps.
"I'm not sure I'm doing the right thing with you today, but I'm going to give you the opportunity to see if a programme of drug rehabilitation will keep you out of trouble long term.
"Please seize this opportunity. You must know that there will come a time when the court must harden its heart."
Wilson has been sentenced to 12 months for each burglary, suspended for two years. He must also attend a drug rehabilitation programme, and comply with a supervision order for one year.
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Thursday 09 February 2012
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