Jail threat hangs over work order breacher

Published on 17th May 2007 in News

A Goole teenager who was convicted of assault has been ordered to carry out out the rest of his community service to the letter - or go to jail.

Stephen Davison (19), of Edinburgh Street, was ordered to do 80-hours of unpaid work when he was sentenced for the offence in November last year.

This was increased to 90 hours after he breached the order earlier this year.

And on Friday, he appeared in Goole Magistrates' Court again after breaching his order by not attending appointments on April 5 and April 11.

Probation officer Neil Wadforth said that Mr Davison had completed 82 and a quarter of his hours but had been sent home on April 21 after disobeying an instruction.

"He seems to think he can do as he pleases," said Mr Wadforth.

"He disobeyed a lawful instruction and I dare say there have been problems with him."

Mr Davison admitted failing to attend two appointments, and, explaining his behaviour on April 21, said he had wanted to go sto the shop to buy his lunch before continuing his work.

Magistrates told him: "The purpose of unpaid work is to allow you to serve a sentence in the community.

"Do you think you would be able to run to the shop for lunch in prison?

"You're going to get a choice - you can go to prison now or you can do 20 hours of extra hours of unpaid work to the letter."

Mr Davison agreed to do the unpaid work.

He was also ordered to pay £30 court costs.

"We're not playing games here," magistrates told him.