Teenage burglar escapes jail sentence
AN UNEMPLOYED teenage drug user who burgled the home of a family friend has been ordered to do 80 hours of unpaid work and pay £250 compensation. Christopher Nock, of Beacon Field, in Felixstowe, appeared for sentencing at South East Suffolk Magistrates' Court on Tuesday after pleading guilty to burglary at an earlier hearing.
AN UNEMPLOYED teenage drug user who burgled the home of a family friend has been ordered to do 80 hours of unpaid work and pay £250 compensation.
Christopher Nock, of Beacon Field, in Felixstowe, appeared for sentencing at South East Suffolk Magistrates' Court on Tuesday after pleading guilty to burglary at an earlier hearing.
Addressing the 18-year-old, district judge David Cooper said: “I hope you are as ashamed of yourself as you say you are. This was a repulsive thing to do.”
The court heard Nock had entered a house in Grange Road, Felixstowe, belonging to a man who was good friends with Nock's parents.
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Prosecuting solicitor Lesla Small said Nock was one of a small number of people who knew the owner, who is retired, would be away during the weekend of September 9 and 10.
She said Nock stole 30 ten gram pouches of tobacco and £115 in cash.
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She added: “He had known Nock since he was eight years old. The victim has been quite upset. He has been prescribed tranquilisers to help him sleep and he was due to go on holiday but felt unable to do so.”
Nock denied stealing some gold plated cufflinks during police interview, but admitted taking the other items.
Defence solicitor Diana Infanti said her client has been shocked by his behaviour.
She said: “He had stolen from a close family friend he has stopped his drug use and has not taken any drugs since. He is motivated to keep out of trouble. He has apologised to the victim and he wants to make reparation for what he has done.”
Mr Cooper said: “You've done nothing to show your remorse, it is totally outrageous. But because you have no previous convictions I won't put you away today.
“You will go to a young offenders institute for 16 weeks, suspended for one year. If you do anything, even shoplifting, then you'll go inside.”
Mr Cooper also ordered Nock to do 80 hours unpaid work and made him the subject of a 12 month supervision requirement as part of his sentence.
Nock, who was supported by his mother in the public gallery, was also ordered to pay £250 compensation and £70 costs.
