A prolific shoplifter from Brislington who raided shops told a judge his 44-week sentence was too long. But the judge disagreed and told him he should have got more.
Jason Otley lodged an appeal at Bristol Crown Court after admitting a plethora of pilfering in Bristol and Cheltenham. The 48-year-old, of Newbridge Road, pleaded guilty to three thefts from shops, two assaults and a shop burglary.
His lawyer argued that his client had entered very early pleas, most stolen goods were recovered and magistrates handed his client a sentence which was not far off the maximum term. He asked for a reduced sentence as a result.
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Judge Julian Lambert, sitting with two magistrates, took a contrary view. Dismissing the appeal yesterday (December 29), he told Otley: "The sentence imposed allowed appropriate credit for pleas throughout.
"You really deserve years, not months or weeks. The magistrates were merciful in not committing you (to the crown court) for sentence."
The judge did, however, set aside a £600 compensation order made against Otley. This was due Otley's lack of means, the court heard.
Neil Treharne, prosecuting, said Otley stole toys from Smyths in Longwell Green in July. When challenged he said his wife had the receipt for the goods, before he assaulted two members of staff, the court heard.
Mr Treharne said Otley stole a £600 scooter from Pure Electric in Broadmead in September, and hair straighteners worth £600 from John Lewis in Cheltenham in October. The court heard Otley, with an unidentified man, also stole an electric fire worth £720 from B&Q in Longwell Green in November.
Peter Richardson, defending, said the stolen toys and electric fire were recovered and his client claimed he put the John Lewis items back. Mr Richardson argued that a 44-week sentence was just eight weeks short of the maximum that could have been imposed.
He told the court addiction had been a theme in his client's life, due to Otley suffering bad experiences as a child and self-medicating. Mr Richardson said Otley also suffered mental health problems and at the time was homeless.
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