A TEENAGE burglar given a “last chance” by magistrates earlier this year has been jailed for 10 months by a judge at Chester Crown Court.
Homeless 18-year-old Reece Jackson escaped a custodial sentence in early July after admitting breaking houses at Beeston Drive, Curlew Close, Teal Close and Russell Road in Winsford to fund a £200-a-week cannabis addiction.
But he was brought back before Vale Royal Youth Court later the same month after burgling two more houses - including his mum’s. And on Tuesday, October 7 Judge Roger Dutton sentenced him to 10 months in a young offenders’ institute.
Solicitor Derek MacDonald previously told magistrates Jackson began smoking cannabis at the age of 13 and had stolen from his parents and siblings to fund his habit.
The defendant got into debt with drug dealers and was kicked out of home. He has had regular meetings with a substance misuse worker and a psychiatrist, and tests have also been conducted to establish the extent of possible mental health problems caused by cannabis and the class A drugs he has “dabbled” in.
Sgt Ian Wood, of Winsford Neighbourhood Policing Unit, has welcomed the sentence. He said: “Reece Jackson is a prolific burglar and the court has recognised the seriousness of what he has done.
“Having been given a chance he ignored it and committed two further offences, and he must now face the consequences.”
