AN Ipswich man is beginning a six-week jail term today after admitting breaking the terms of his licence by handling stolen goods.South East Suffolk Magistrates' Court heard that Daniel Davidson, 20, of Birkfield Drive, Chantry, was released from prison on September 28 but was caught in possession of stolen goods less than two weeks later on Tuesday.

AN Ipswich man is beginning a six-week jail term today after admitting breaking the terms of his licence by handling stolen goods.

South East Suffolk Magistrates' Court heard that Daniel Davidson, 20, of Birkfield Drive, Chantry, was released from prison on September 28 but was caught in possession of stolen goods less than two weeks later on Tuesday.

Sandra Dyer, prosecuting, said Davidson was caught with 11 bottles of shampoo worth around £19 in Sheldrake Drive.

“He made admissions in interview that that he had been walking with a friend and believed the items had been stolen from a nearby chemist 10 to 15 minutes before,” Ms Dyer said.

“When his friend fled from police he decided to pick up the bag containing the shampoo even though he knew they were stolen.

“He said he was taking them to return to the original thief,” she added.

Davidson's licence following his release from prison in September was due to expire in May next year, the court heard.

The news comes the day after a government report revealed more than 1,000 violent crimes had been committed by people released early from prison on tags.

Davidson is not believed to have been tagged but would have been under the supervision of the probation service.

Howard Catherall, mitigating, described his client's actions as “simply a moment's idiocy”.

“He has previous convictions which have seen him get into bother in the past in terms of assaults,” Mr Catherall said.

“But after 2004 he went through a trouble-free period for two years.

“He tells me he got a job working as a carpet fitter but unfortunately started frittering his money away on drugs which got him into some difficulties.

“Come 2006 he was convicted of theft from his employer and other dishonesty offences,” he added.

Mr Catherall said Davidson's handling of stolen goods was clearly not a planned action that he had premeditated.

Chairman of the magistrates Peter West sentenced Davidson to three weeks in prison for handling stolen goods and a further three weeks on recall of his licence.

“This offence was committed such a short time after your release and you would have known the consequences,” Mr West said.