Judge gives duo chance to mend their old ways
Kept out of prison with suspended jail sentence
TWO entrenched criminals who have spent much of their lives behind bars have been given a chance to mend their ways by a judge.
Leicester Crown Court was told Zaydene Shahadat went on a burglary and theft spree at city shops.
He also attempted to steal from the till of a hotel bar with co-accused Darren Cundell.
Judge Martin Hurst told both former drug users, who appeared via a live video link from prison: “It’s your lucky day, I won’t be locking you up.”
He decided to give them the opportunity to continue keeping off drugs to stop their cycle of offending, that was compared to a “revolving door” at Leicester’s Welford Road prison.
Shahadat, of Main Street, Rempstone, admitted six burglaries and two thefts in the city centre.
Shahadat, 31, and Cundell, 41, both admitted an earlier burglary with intent to steal from the till at the Villare Hotel on Saturday February 29, when they posed as guests.
Shahadat asked for burglaries at the Belmont Hotel and Premier Inn to be taken into consideration along with three more thefts.
Cundell, who was formerly homeless, admitted burglary, with intent to steal, at a university building in Regent Road on Thursday February 27 as well as threatening behaviour at the Clockwise Credit Union offices in St Nicholas Place on Thursday April 9.
Julia King, prosecuting, said Shahadat had “a large number of offences” on his record including robberies and firearms offences in 2010 when he received a seven year sentence.
She said Cunell had 115 offences on his record, of which 73 were dishonesty-related.
James Varley, mitigating for Shahadat said his client ended up “living on the streets,” after a relationship break-up and committed the offences to fund his drug use.
He said: “His father has written a letter to the court, he’s a loving and a caring father who has tried to do his best for his son, who hasn’t wanted to do the right thing until now.
“The defendant has spent more than half his life in prison and he wants to clear the slate and put these things behind him.
“He’s scripted (on medication) and showing motivation.
“It might be the right time to give him an opportunity, Your Honour, and if he doesn’t take it, so be it.”
Gary Short, mitigating for Cundell, said: “His record speaks for itself, he almost has a revolving door at Welford Road prison.
“When there he’s able to address alcohol and drugs issues, but when released he has nowhere to go and is homeless.
“He stands before the court with good intentions and has been in custody for two months and cleaned his act up.
“Unlike other sentences he can be released with a roof over his head.”
The court heard that hotel accommodation had been arranged for Cundell in Loughborough.
Judge Hurst said: “You’ve both had the opportunity after a short time in custody to stay clean.
“You should take advantage of what’s being offered.
“If you don’t take it you’ll end up back here and the next judge will wonder what on earth I was doing and will give you plenty more on top.
“It’s up to you if you serve the sentence I’m suspending.”
The judge told Shahadat: “Your father must be pulling his hair out.
“He’s done everything he possibly can to assist you.
“You’ve now done what you can in prison to get yourself clean and now say you’re anxious to lead a law abiding life.
“You’ve spent, as your barrister Mr Varley says, nearly half your life in prison.
He added: “You’ve both been extremely fortunate today.”
The judge told Cundell: “Take this opportunity. You’re far too old to be continuing to behave in this way.
“It’s hard, but it’s up to you.”
Both defendants said: “Thank you Your Honour.”
Shahadat was given a two year jail sentence, suspended for two years.
Cundell was given an 18 month prison term, suspended for two years.
Both men were ordered to undergo six months of drug rehabilitation, with 10 days of a rehabilitation activity requirement.
They were each placed on three month electronically monitored curfews, between 8pm and 6pm.