Suspended jail sentence for Sutton Bridge burglar

A Sutton Bridge man has received a suspended sentence for burglary offences and a theft in Sutton St James.

Stuart Paul Ashby, 41, of Princes Street, appeared at Boston Magistrates' Court on Wednesday to plead guilty to entering three properties in Chapelgate with intent to steal. He also admitted stealing from a vehicle.

All of the offences occurred on November 3, 2018.

Prosecutor Nick Todd said Ashby entered outbuildings, such as stables and all of the property was recovered.

He added: "Mr Ashby's car was seen parked nearby, with items in it, but by the time police arrived it had been driven off."

A co-accused 16-year-old boy appeared in court with Ashby.

Mr Todd said: "The son of the first complainant detained two other youths. They were dealt with by cautions."

He added it was unfortunateAshby's offences could not be tied up with sentencing for other matters for which he recently served a prison sentence.

Ashby's solicitor, Hugh Cauthery, said: "Such property as there was appears not to have had much value."

District Judge Peter Veits told Ashby it was minor stuff but not nice for the people involved and sentenced him to six weeks' custody for each offence, to run concurrently and suspended for 12 months.

Ashby was ordered to pay £115 victim surcharge and £85 costs.

The case against the youth was adjourned until January 15.