By Emily Parsons

Last updated at 12:48, Monday, 22 October 2012

A criminal who removed his own tag and refused to complete unpaid work, demanded a judge send him to jail.

Scott Croxford, 24, of Cant Crescent, Upperby, Carlisle, admitted breaching the previous sentence when he appeared at the city’s crown court.

Judge Peter Hughes QC heard how Croxford had been sentenced last month for handling stolen goods.

His arrest followed a burglary at a business premises in Carlisle, in which high value power tools were stolen. When police went to Croxford’s house the following morning, they recovered a number of items, which he said had been given to him by two men earlier.

He refused to identify the men and was subsequently sentenced to eight months in prison, suspended for 24 months, placed on a 24-month community order, tagged and ordered to complete 250 hours of unpaid work.

However, prosecutor Kim Whittlestone revealed Croxford had breached his curfew within days: removing his tag after four days and giving “a variety of reasons why he would not respect the curfew”.

Representing Croxford, Alison Whalley said: “His situation is unusual but very straightforward: he feels the sentence is disproportionate to the offence and would rather go to prison.

“My client will lose his employment but will reapply after his release.

“He will have somewhere to live after his release – with his fiancee, who is sat in court and knows the stance he is taking.”

After pausing to reflect briefly, Judge Hughes told the defendant: “You essentially have treated this order with contempt: you removed your tag within two weeks of the sentence being imposed, you have not attended the sessions for unpaid work and you have quite remarkably indicated – through your barrister – you’re unwillingness to comply with the community order.

“You leave me with no alternative but to do that which you ask that I should do.”

The judge revoked the community order and imposed the suspended sentence.

In reference to Croxford’s attitude towards his presence: “I see no reason whatsoever to make any adjustment to that sentence and you shall serve the full eight months.”

Croxford will still be entitled for release after serving half the sentence.

First published at 12:19, Monday, 22 October 2012
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk