Shropshire Star

Suspended sentence for thief who wanted help

A man who burgled a house so that he could get help for his mental health problems has avoided an immediate jail term.

Published

Lewis Smith, 32, handed himself into Shrewsbury Police Station after carrying out the offence at a house, in Monkmoor Road, Monkmoor, on November 29 last year.

He entered the property through an open patio door and helped himself to an electronic games console and other items valued at about £220 in total.

Admitted

Smith, of no fixed abode, previously admitted one offence of burglary at the town’s crown court.

At a sentencing hearing he was jailed for two years suspended for 18 months on the basis that he immediately relocate to an address in Bristol where a relative had offered him accommodation.

In addition he must attend 19 sessions to address his thinking skills and 30 rehabilitation activity days. He must also pay the victims' surcharge.

Behave

Judge Peter Barrie told Smith: "You must behave yourself and demonstrate that you are doing your best to learn."

Smith was released from custody following Wednesday's hearing.

Mr Richard Hull, mitigating barrister, told the court that the defendant handed himself into the police station a few days after the burglary even though no-one had connected him to the matter.

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