Failure to comply with a community order imposed by the courts has landed a Newport man with a 6-week prison sentence, suspended for 12 months.
40-year-old Paul Symonds, of Lower St James’ Street in Newport, appeared before the Isle of Wight Magistrates Court on Tuesday where he admitted failing to comply with the requirements of a community order imposed in March of this year for the offence of assault by beating.
The probation service explained to the bench that Symonds had failed to attend his unpaid workdays and also failed to attend the many probation appointments offered to him. He had supplied no evidence of why he couldn’t attend and failed to keep in contact with his offender managers.
Defending, Oscar Vincent said his client had a progressive illness relating to his digestive system, which causes vomiting and pain. Mr Vincent explained that Symonds suffers from anxiety and depression and has been signed off work.
Magistrates, who decided to revoke and resentence Symonds’ original community order after hearing he had made no efforts to comply, said:
“If you don’t obey a court order there are consequences”.
Symonds was handed a 6-week prison sentence, suspended for 12 months. He must complete 15 rehabilitation days and is subject to a 6-week curfew between 19:00 and 07:00.
“Oscar Vincent said his client had a progressive illness relating to his digestive system”
Really!!!! Obviously Mr Vincent is clearly running out of excuses for his clients.
As a defence lawyer that is his job, to put his clients case. Now, it may, or may not be true, but that’s their interpretation of their clients instruction and assertion. The Court decides, on the burden of proof, beyond reasonable doubt in this case. This was for the breach of a Court Order. The client has been found to have breached it by the Court. Not a good idea to breach a Court Order.
Should be judged and dealt with accordingly in the 1 st place !!!!!
Total inadequate sentences in 1st place
As they say say Do the crime serve the time……
Judicial system so antiquated needs a damn good shake up !!!!!
Look what our Police officers go through bitten spat at etc…..
And the defence lawyer’s well must go to the same school as our councillors …..
Excuses Excuses ….
About time someone realised change is needed !!!!
Excellent post Miss Sensible. Agree with you totally. These morons who break the law are having a laugh. New laws and tougher sentencing will wipe the smug smile off their stupid faces.
Criminals laugh at these pathetic sentences and even more pathetic bench members. Yet I guess they can now never again hand out meaningful sentences as our jails are filled with others from far away, and those who dare see it and ‘say so’.
What a country, IF you are young and able you would be wise to leave if you have the means IMO
I’m obviously missing something here.
“If you don’t obey Court Orders…”
But, here’s a suspended sentence anyway!
Waste of time!
Defending this moron, Mr Vincent…..how do you sleep at night? No conscience, that’s how. Well you are getting paid to speak on behalf of low life. This bloke broke the law and should be made to comply with sentencing laid down to him. Stomach problems!!!!!! A severe case of ‘verbal diarrhoea’ more like!!!!!