Dad in court for third time is spared jail after breaching order

AFATHER-OF-TWO who completed a ‘pathetic’ amount of unpaid work has walked free from court for a third time.

Martin Shaw, of Robert Street, Accrington, was given a community order with 150 hours unpaid work in February last year for handling stolen goods.

He was hauled back before the courts in June 2016 for breaching the order and given an extra 30 hours unpaid work.

However Burnley Crown Court heard how the 24-year-old only completed seven out of 180 hours in 12 months before being brought back to court for a third time last week.

The glass worder pleaded guilty to breaching the community order but was spared immediate jail with a six-month jail sentence, suspended for 12 months with 180 hours unpaid work and a three-month curfew.

Darren Lee-Smith, defending, said Shaw has had ‘issues with accommodation and employment’ and relationship problems with an ex-partner

He told the court: “The defendant fully appreciates that he should have prioritised the order.

“He is absolutely petrified that a custodial sentence maybe imposed.

“There has been a lack of offences for a considerable period of time since July 2015.

“He will do anything he has to do to avoid immediate custody.”

Recorder Mark Ainsworth said he would give Shaw ‘one last chance’.

Sentencing, he said: “The court gave you a chance in February and another chance in June and this is your response.

“I understand there are pressures in your life and are a father to two young children and struggle to hold down full-time employment.

“But still the completion of seven hours is frankly pathetic.

“The reason I am going to suspend it is that it is impressive, given your background as a teenager, that you have stayed out of trouble apart from this since 2011 and you are holding down a job.

“If you let me down you will go to prison. Many will say I should send you to prison today.but I will on the next occasion.”

Claire Larton, prosecuting, said Shaw was convicted of handling stolen goods after receiving a television and Playstation 3 from a house burglary in Haslingden in July 2015.

The court heard how Shaw tried to sell the items on to make ‘ easy money’ and fund a cannabis habit.