One more crime and we'll jail you

Samuel Scarrett escaped a prison sentence despite committing crimes while on licence.

John Johnson, chairman of the bench at Droitwich yesterday, told Scarrett that if he committed another crime, magistrates would not hesitate in sending him back to jail.

"It's a complete waste of life," said Mr Johnson.

The 20-year-old former heroin user admitted theft and possession of heroin, just months after serving half of a six-month prison sentence.

He also admitted failing to surrender to bail in May.

The court heard that on Friday, April 20, he stole a television set from a residential home where he was staying with his mother.

Sally Hill, prosecuting, told magistrates his mother had allowed him to stay with her, but he took the opportunity to steal a 21-inch TV.

"He admitted to his mum that he had stolen it and sold it on," said Miss Hill.

"He sold it to a man to buy heroin."

On Friday, May 11, at about 1am, Scarrett was spotted by a police officer on patrol in Pershore.

"After speaking to the defendant the officer's suspicions were aroused," said Miss Hill.

"He searched Scarrett and found a small foil wrap containing heroin."

Richard Wilkes, defending, told the court Scarrett, who lives at St Paul's Hostel, Tallow Hill, Worcester, had since turned his back on drugs and was on medication to help him.

"He's taken full advantage of support given by the hostel," he said.

"He tells me he's very dedicated to ensure he doesn't get back on drugs."

Scarrett had recently been offered work as a painter and decorator, which Mr Wilkes said was further evidence of getting his life back on track.

"You could simply send him back to prison," said Mr Wilkes.

"But he's served sentences before and they haven't helped."

Scarrett was given a 12-month community rehabilitation order, ordered to pay £50 compensation to the owner of the television, and ordered to pay costs of £20 for each offence.

He was also fined £10 for failing to surrender to bail.