A thief who was living in a wood in Hertingfordbury when he went on a crime spree in the area has been given a chance by a Judge.


The 20-year-old had been kicked out of his home in Ware by his mother and was living in Terrace Wood in a tent.


When the police went there they found him, along with items he had stolen from cars and garages in the area. He was arrested and while in custody went on a tour with officers showing them where he had been committing crime, St Albans Crown Court heard.


He pleaded guilty to one charge of burglary and two of theft. At the time he was taking legal highs.


Sean Smith, defending, said the youth had pleaded guilty at the earlier opportunity. He said he had asked for 62 other offences to be taken into consideration by the Judge because he “wished to turn over a new leaf” as he is to become a father.


He went on: “He wants to be a good father. At the age of 20 he had shown a degree of maturity by clearing the matters up with the police and he can put his offending behind him.”


Judge John Plumstead told him: “You were going out stealing to pay for legal highs. 65 different sets of people suffered loss, but you have started to shape up. You want to start a new life. I am going to give you a chance.”


He passed a 9 month jail sentence suspended for 2 years and ordered him to pay £300 costs.