A Suffolk man with a lengthy criminal history has been jailed for stealing from a local garage.
34-year-old Leroy Clarke, formerly of Ipswich, admitted burglary at Middleton Garage in Leiston Road and driving while disqualified. Judge Emma Peters sentenced him to 16 months in prison and a 38-month driving ban.
The court heard Clarke broke into the garage in May this year, stealing a safe, tools worth £17,000, and a cash tin containing around £50.
Judge Peters acknowledged the impact on the garage owner, who had built his business for 24 years. She expressed frustration at Clarke’s repeat offending, noting his 126 previous convictions.
Clarke’s defence acknowledged his financial struggles and desperation at the time of the crime. However, Judge Peters highlighted the difficulty in awarding compensation due to Clarke’s lack of financial means.
Source: East Anglian Daily Times