A PROLIFIC shoplifter who flouted two court orders has been spared jail after a judge heard he had been offered a chance to mend his ways.
Michael Edward Morley, 31, was jailed in February for theft and attempted theft offences. He was also made subject to a criminal behaviour order (CBO) which banned him from entering a host of stores, mainly in his home town.
Following an appeal, Morley, of King Street, Maryport, had the prison sentence suspended. But he was back in trouble during May, attending the Heron Foods premises in Maryport on two separate dates in breach of the CBO. Morley also stole a crate of cider from Home Bargains in Workington.
Having admitted theft and two CBO breaches, he was sentenced at Carlisle Crown Court today (MON).
After hearing Morley had been offered residential addiction treatment and supported housing outside of Cumbria and away from negative influences, Recorder Tom Gilbart concluded it would be “unjust” to send him to prison.
Morley was made subject to a community order comprising 160 hours’ unpaid work and rehabilitation. “I’ve been persuaded to give you a chance. This is your chance. Make good use of this chance,” Recorder Gilbart told Morley. “You will not be so fortunate in future.”
