Hapless drug addict Jonathan Blundell, who has 116 offences on his criminal record, was given a suspended sentence by Judge Timothy Spencer KC at Leicester Crown Court on July 17 for breaking into Cafe Nero in High Street, Leicester, and stealing coffee. However, within six hours of the 37-year-old being released, Blundell broke into Poundstretcher on Belgrave Gate in Leicester city centre at 12.50am and stole stock.
Second burglary and arrest
He then went back to the same shop the following night and committed a further burglary. Two hours later, he went to the Tatra Eastern Corner restaurant in Northampton Street. Blundell, who is homeless, broke into the restaurant and was arrested by Leicestershire Police while he was still inside.
Back before Leicester Crown Court on Thursday (August 20), he pleaded guilty to the break-ins. His barrister, Mark Roochove, said his client had wanted to go to Nottingham to live with relatives after receiving the suspended sentence but had no travel permit, no medication for his ADHD and no methadone to help with his addiction.
Judge's response
Mr Roochove said Blundell – currently recalled to prison – would be released in seven days' time and asked the judge that he be given another chance. But Judge Spencer said Blundell had run out of chances. He said: "I've bent over for him three times now. He's run out of rope with me."
He ordered the sentencing hearing to be adjourned until Monday (August 24) to be heard in front of a different judge. He added: "He'll be in the list on Monday in front of another judge." He turned to Blundell and told him: "Some other judge will deal with you on Monday. I've had it with you."
