A would-be burglar will have to wait to learn his fate after a judge ordered an updated pre-sentence report be carried out.
Gavin Smith admitted an attempted burglary in Darlington after stealing cigarettes and shoes from a woman’s property on Coleridge Gardens in June this year.
The 33-year-old was due to be sentenced for both offences at Teesside Crown Court but the hearing was delayed to allow time for an assessment to be made on the work carried out by the defendant to address his mental health issues.
Recorder David Brooke KC warned Smith that custody was still a likely outcome despite requesting an updated pre-sentence report.
See more court stories from The Northern Echo by clicking here
- County Durham drug smuggling ring jailed for 75 years for 1.3 tonne cannabis racket
-
The faces behind international smuggling ring which imported cannabis from Thailand
-
The seizure of suitcases packed with cannabis led to downfall of crime gang
Unlock unlimited local news subscribe today and save on an annual subscription. Enjoy access to our ad-free mobile and tablet app, as well as the digital edition of the paper. Don’t miss out – subscribe now! Click here for details.
He said: “There will be an update from the Probation Service, particularly regarding the mental health treatment and how that was dealt with by the defendant.
“I hope you realise that this adjournment doesn’t give you false hope.
“Custody will be at the forefront of the next judge’s mind.”
Smith, of Ribble Drive, Darlington, will return to court on September 3 to be sentenced.
Share