Swindon burglar is told ‘this is your last chance’ (From Swindon Advertiser)

Swindon burglar is told ‘this is your last chance’

9:39am Wednesday 17th October 2012 in News

A BURGLAR has been told “this is absolutely your last chance” after he avoided jail for his part in a house raid.

Alan Harris was warned his fate was in his own hands as a judge said “courts can’t go on taking chances for people who won’t play their part.”

The 38-year-old had only gone into the burgled property, which was being renovated, to smoke crack cocaine.

But while he was there a new boiler and radiators were taken.

And when the police attended the scene they found blood which matched the DNA of repeat offender Harris.

Colin Meeke, prosecuting, told Swindon Crown Court the burgled house was a four-bedromed semi on County Road which was being renovated.

A window had been smashed and the new boiler, radiators and some tools, worth about £3,000, were taken.

Harris, of Minety Road, Penhill, at first denied burglary but later changed his plea.

Mr Meeke said Harris’ criminal history started in 1987, when he was just 13, and covered burglary, theft, having weapons, supplying drugs, and motoring offences.

Mike Pulsford, defending, said his client had relapsed into alcohol and drug use when his relationship of ten years broke down in March.

He said he had not profited from the burglary, has an offer of work and is testing negative for drugs Passing sentence, Recorder Michael Vere-Hodge QC said: “I am giving you a last chance to prove you can stay away from drugs and alcohol and keep out of trouble.”

Imposing a nine-month sentence suspended for a year with supervision and thinking skills programme, he said: “This is absolutely your last chance.”