Offences were just a ‘blip’

AN Oldham man with a lengthy criminal record was spared jail when he admitted robbery and theft, after a Judge accepted that the offences had been a “blip” .

Sean Kelly (35), who has more than 40 previous convictions, had not got into trouble for three years before the incidents on the same day in May this year.

First he broke into a house in Raymond Avenue, Chadderton, damaging a door, before stealing cans of lager from the kitchen.

Half an hour later, he knocked at the door of a pensioner he knew near-by and demanded money.

Brendan O’Leary prosecuting, said that Kelly, of Cowie Street, Shaw, had acted in an intimidating manner towards the householder.

The pensioner told him he didn’t have much, and offered £15 from his pocket.

Kelly was not satisfied however, and told him: “I know you’ve got another £10.”

The pensioner, who was worried about the consequences if he refused, took out extra money, and Kelly snatched the £25 and fled.

He was arrested shortly afterwards after a police officer recognised him from a description given by a witness who saw him breaking into the property earlier.

Kirstin Beswick, defending, said he had long-standing drink and drug problems but was desperate to kick his habits.

She said: “This was a serious blip in his bid to turn his back on crime. He has spent a substantial part of his life so far in prison, and he wants to go straight.”

Sentencing him to a total of 11 months in prison, suspended for 12 months, Judge Jonathan Geake told him: “You’ve got such a long record that you don’t need any lectures from me.

“Drink, along with drugs, is clearly a serious problem for you, but this is very much a last chance, as far as I am concerned.”