Mike Vandeman[_4_]
January 22nd 12, 09:58 PM
http://www.marketrasenmail.co.uk/news/local/brigg/shop_window_smashed_after_bike_goes_missing_1_3431 143
Shop window smashed after bike goes missing
Published on Sunday 22 January 2012 13:08
A GROUNDWORKER who smashed a shop window in anger after his £2,500
mountain bike was stolen has been spared an immediate jail sentence by
a judge.
Lincoln Crown Court heard Heath Murdoch 43, of Waverley Court, Queen
Street used a hammer to break the glass of Something Special card shop
on July 30 last year after going to look for the thieves who took his
cycle.
Murdoch admitted taking the hammer and a lock knife with him for his
own protection after the bike went missing from near his flat.
Phil Howes, prosecuting, said Murdoch caused damage estimated at £550
when he smashed the laminated safety glass of the card shop in his
frustration.
Mr Howes told the court when police traced Murdoch to his flat he had
the lock knife in his pocket and a small amount of cannabis.
Mr Howes said: “He never took the knife out or used it to threaten
anybody.”
The court heard Murdoch had received a 12-month community order for a
previous offence of possessing a lock knife in a public place in 2010.
Gordon Aspden, defending, told the court Murdoch had been taking steps
to reduce his drinking after losing his temper on this occasion.
Mr Aspden said: “Mr Murdoch is somebody that enjoys mountain biking in
Cumbria and Derbyshire. This was not simply a bike, but his pride and
joy for which he paid £2,500.
“He is a hard-working man who over the Christmas period went to visit
his parents and did not drink for four days.”
Murdoch, of Waverley Court, Market Rasen, admitted having a bladed
article, criminal damage, having an offensive weapon and possessing
cannabis.
He was sentenced to nine months’ imprisonment, suspended for a year,
and was given a 12-month community order and told to pay compensation
of £550 to the shop.
Passing sentence Judge Sean Morris told him: “I can entirely
understand your frustration and anger at having your expensive
mountain bike stolen, but you can’t take the law into your own hands.
“It is a good job you did not find these thieves.”
Shop window smashed after bike goes missing
Published on Sunday 22 January 2012 13:08
A GROUNDWORKER who smashed a shop window in anger after his £2,500
mountain bike was stolen has been spared an immediate jail sentence by
a judge.
Lincoln Crown Court heard Heath Murdoch 43, of Waverley Court, Queen
Street used a hammer to break the glass of Something Special card shop
on July 30 last year after going to look for the thieves who took his
cycle.
Murdoch admitted taking the hammer and a lock knife with him for his
own protection after the bike went missing from near his flat.
Phil Howes, prosecuting, said Murdoch caused damage estimated at £550
when he smashed the laminated safety glass of the card shop in his
frustration.
Mr Howes told the court when police traced Murdoch to his flat he had
the lock knife in his pocket and a small amount of cannabis.
Mr Howes said: “He never took the knife out or used it to threaten
anybody.”
The court heard Murdoch had received a 12-month community order for a
previous offence of possessing a lock knife in a public place in 2010.
Gordon Aspden, defending, told the court Murdoch had been taking steps
to reduce his drinking after losing his temper on this occasion.
Mr Aspden said: “Mr Murdoch is somebody that enjoys mountain biking in
Cumbria and Derbyshire. This was not simply a bike, but his pride and
joy for which he paid £2,500.
“He is a hard-working man who over the Christmas period went to visit
his parents and did not drink for four days.”
Murdoch, of Waverley Court, Market Rasen, admitted having a bladed
article, criminal damage, having an offensive weapon and possessing
cannabis.
He was sentenced to nine months’ imprisonment, suspended for a year,
and was given a 12-month community order and told to pay compensation
of £550 to the shop.
Passing sentence Judge Sean Morris told him: “I can entirely
understand your frustration and anger at having your expensive
mountain bike stolen, but you can’t take the law into your own hands.
“It is a good job you did not find these thieves.”