A convicted burglar told a judge that he took drugs with friends. And the judge advised him to 'pull his finger out' if he wants to avoid prison.
David Ross, 21, of Bristol Foyer in Victoria Street, Redcliff, pleaded guilty to five burglaries of student flats at Transom House, Bristol, in December 2021. Judge James Patrick adjourned sentence until September 1, telling Ross his choice was to comply with the Probation Service or go to jail.
Kenneth Bell, prosecuting, told Bristol Crown Court Ross raided five student flats in the early hours. Three had residents sleeping in them while the other two occupants were out, the court heard.
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Items stolen included a laptop computer, rucksacks and games. Mr Bell said the property was stolen to be sold for Class A drugs.
Caitlin Evans, defending, said it was not clear why the case was delayed in getting to court. She said: "He was 19 at the time, this was committed in December 2021."
Judge Patrick said Ross' response to supervision for other offences was not glowing. He asked Ross: "What's going on with drugs?"
Ross replied: "I don't take drugs, only with friends and that, I take a bit of ketamine. I've kept off alcohol since having a tag."
The judge told defence counsel: "I'm adjourning for two months to try and encourage your client to puill his finger out and engage rather better than he is. Including going to parties and talking drugs.
"If there is a glowing report from Probation then I will find a non-custodial way of dealing with him. Otherwise I think the time may have come."
