An "isolated" pervert who was given a suspended sentence for possession of indecent images had been put in a young offender's institution for breaching the order.
Craig Gibson was given an eight month prison sentence, suspended for two years in October, last year, after being convicted of possessing indecent images and extreme pornography. As part of his sentence, the 20-year-old was also ordered to carry out unpaid work and a set amount of rehabilitation activity days.
But Gibson, of Cumbrian Avenue, Chester-le-Street, was hauled back in front of a judge this week for failing to turn up to appointments with the probation service. He appeared at Durham Crown Court to be sentenced for breaching the suspended sentence in November 2021 and April, this year. He admitted the breaches during the hearing.
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The court heard that Gibson initially attended some appointments, but then failed to do so, giving excuses regarding "employment and health issues". On one occasion he failed to show for an appointment and gave no explanation. Despite not showing for appointments, the court was told he had completed his unpaid work requirement.
Tony Davis, defending, said he was "truly contrite" about his breaches and had engaged since. He said that Gibson's employment had been "terminated" and he was living an "isolated existence".
He said: "The reality is, he's working with probation now and is finding it useful. He has limited means at the moment and would prefer hours to be imposed upon him as he feels that's been a benefit to him getting out of the house." Mr Davis added there had "clearly been no further offences" committed.
Sentencing Gibson, Judge Ray Singh, said: "When you were in court last year you were told that you were being sent to prison for eight months, but if you kept to the requirements of the order you would not have to go to prison. You took a choice by deliberately not attending appointments. The law is clear, those who breach suspended sentences, the sentence must be activated unless it is unjust. Nothing drives me to the conclusion that it would be unjust."
Gibson was sentenced to four months in a young offender's institution.
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