Stowmarket man gets off very lightly

According to the Bury Free Press a young Stowmarket man has got off very lightly after being persecuted for a string of offences, including smashing the window of the Card Centre, stealing lottery tickets worth over £1000 and various other thefts as well as assault and breaching restraining disorders more than once. He has even escaped receiving an anti-social behaviour order for these crimes, which is said to have taken place under the influence of alcohol. This man has been sentenced to 16 months in custody, suspended for 24 months. He has been ordered to pay up for the damages and thefts, as well as a supervision requirement and alcohol treatment.

This local man breached his restraining order on a female community support officer. He may potentially reach this woman again. Is this fair or safe for the community? Is this all people should expect as punishment for such crimes in the future? Interestingly, would things have been different if alcohol was not held responsible for his actions?

For more on this story visit: http://www.buryfreepress.co.uk/stowmarket/Man-stole-Lottery-tickets-after.6522105.jp