Former Sheffield convict stole from Doncaster-based employment training programme which was trying to help him

A former prisoner who committed a burglary and a theft while he was on an employment training programme has been given a suspended jail sentence.
Sheffield Crown Court, pictured, heard how an ex-Sheffield convict committed burglary and stole a van while he was on an employment training programme.Sheffield Crown Court, pictured, heard how an ex-Sheffield convict committed burglary and stole a van while he was on an employment training programme.
Sheffield Crown Court, pictured, heard how an ex-Sheffield convict committed burglary and stole a van while he was on an employment training programme.

Sheffield Crown Court heard on October 7 how Jason Bell, aged 50, of Abbeydale Road, Sheffield, had been working with Intertrain who help improve convicted prisoners from HMP Hatfield, near Doncaster, with their employment prospects.

Michael Jones, prosecuting, said Bell had been considered a trusted employee and he had permission to use a van but in March, last year, he claimed he had a tooth ache and absconded with the vehicle.

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CCTV showed Bell returning to the work site with the van and he entered a secured building with a code and tools were taken, according to Mr Jones.

Mr Jones added during Bell’s time in prison he had talked about his employment and when it became known to others he had codes to store rooms he was put under pressure to commit the offence.

Bell pleaded guilty to the burglary and theft of the van.

Richard Adams, defending, said Bell has made efforts to improve his life after he was released from prison and he has since been employed with a company as a warehouse operative and now a driver.

Judge Graham Reeds QC recognised these were old offences, that Bell had been under pressure, has shown signs of rehabilitation, and that he has already spent an extra 14 days in custody as part of his punishment.

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He sentenced Bell to nine months of custody suspended for 18 months.

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