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Nottingham Post
Nottingham Post
National
Rod Malcolm

Homeless man jailed and ordered to pay compensation after smashing window in custody

A homeless drug user must pay £100 repairs after smashing a window while awaiting his solicitor at a custody suite.

The compensation was ordered as James Briggs was jailed for 28 days when he was brought to Nottingham Magistrates' Court.

Briggs, 35, pleaded guilty to criminal damage at the Bridewell custody suite on June 8.

He also admitted missing appointments with probation officers after being freed from prison.

Miss Satinder Bath, mitigating, said he had left prison with little support and told the court: "He has been living on the streets, sleeping rough.

"He said 'I don't know whether I am coming or going.' He accepts that he needs help," said Miss Bath.

She said a place in a drugs' rehab unit had been arranged by his sister. This would be available on June 15.

Sanjay Jerath, prosecuting, said Briggs was arrested on June 7 for failing to attend appointments with probation officers.

"Due to withdrawal from drugs, the defendant was deemed unfit to appear before court," he said. "His behaviour was volatile, kicking his cell door.

"The defendant asked to see his solicitor and was taken to a consultation booth where he damaged a window.

He told the court Briggs has 94 offences on his criminal record.

District Judge Leo Pyle said Briggs had been given an opportunity in April when released with arrangements made for him to get help from probation officers.

"Whether you were coming down from drugs or not, that is no justification for the damage caused," the judge added.

Briggs was given 12 weeks to pay the £100.

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