An 'expectant' father was given the chance to see the birth of his first child by Southend magistrates who decided not to send him to prison for damaging a car.

Alex Stephens, 19, of Finchley Road, Westcliff, admitted tampering with the car after drinking at a family party. The offence was committed in breach of a conditional discharge.

Magistrates sentenced Stephens to an 18-month community rehabilitation order for vehicle interference and a concurrent 18-month community rehabilitation order for being in breach of a conditional discharge.

Stephens was also ordered to pay £55 costs.

Published Monday, April 8, 2002