Convicted thief is sent to prison just days after being spared by magistrates
A CONVICTED thief has been sent to prison for stealing a barbecue just three days after being spared by magistrates.
Colchester Magistrates’ Court had handed John Birch a suspended sentence on May 13 for a series of thefts in the city.
But three days later, Birch, 43, stole a two-burner barbecue from Wilko, St John’s Walk, worth £135.
Birch, a prisoner at Chelmsford Prison, was committed to prison for two weeks and ordered to pay a £128 surcharge after admitting the crime at Colchester Magistrates’ Court.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel