Benjamin Parkinson, of Worcester, cut off tag as wanted prison return

Benjamin Parkinson, of Ombersley Road, Worcester,  said he should have dealt with life after a release "in a much better way" during his appearance on a video link to Worcester Magistrates Court. 

We reported on Parkinson being jailed earlier this year for terrorising his former partner by hitting her and threatening to kill her, ignoring a court order preventing him from any contact with his victim. 

Melanie Winterflood, prosecuting, said Parkinson was released in May this year to serve out the rest of his sentence on licence. 

COURT|: Benjamin Parkinson appeared at Worcester Magistrates Court (Image: West Mercia Police)Miss Winterflood explained, Parkinson voluntarily agreed to wear a Buddi GPS tag which enabled police to track his movements. 

She explained as part of his conditions Parkinson was meant to stay at Braley House but after spending some time there he had left and not returned, leading to him being recalled to prison. 

On May 2, at 8.40pm, it emerged Parkinson had cut off the tag disposing of it in undergrowth where police later retrieved it. 

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Miss Winterflood added: "It is quite a unique offence."

Parkinson, who admitted criminal damage, represented himself during the court appearance on Friday (September 15). 

COURT: Benjamin Parkinson appeared at Worcester Magistrates Court (Image: Newsquest)

Parkinson told the court: "I was happy to be released, once in the community I didn't feel ready. 

"I admit it and accept the consequences."

Parkinson said he had taken advantage of the rehabilitation offered in prison and was in a much better place for when he was released at the end of his sentence in June next year. 

Magistrates asked if Parkinson had cut the tag to get back to prison, Parkinson admitting he had.

Parkinson added: "I should have dealt with it in a much better way."

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Jayne Burton, chairperson of the magistrates bench, said: "I understand when you are released it is a bit daunting.

"Don't fall into that trap again."

Parkinson was given a 12-month conditional discharge warning the defendant if he committed another offence in that period he would be doubly punished. 

Parkinson was ordered to pay £440 compensation - the costs of the tag. Magistrates said police had rented it from another firm and were liable, so he should pay instead of it coming out of the public purse.