Judge gives Doncaster burglar a "last chance" after he raided a bar

A violent burglar has been given a chance to avoid prison after he raided a bar and attacked two police officers.
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Sheffield Crown Court heard how Nathan Lawrence, 30, of Littlemoor Lane, Balby, struck at 15 Public House, on High Street, Doncaster, and stole spirits.

Judge Rachael Harrison told Lawrence, who has already served over six months in custody on remand: “After the period you have served, you should have this chance but you should know it is your last.”

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Clare Walsh, prosecuting, said the alarm holder was alerted by the club’s alarm company after the raid on September 2 and she contacted her son.

Sheffield Crown Court.Sheffield Crown Court.
Sheffield Crown Court.

Ms Walsh added that the complainant met police and they were confronted by the defendant after he had gained entry by forcing open the rear doors to the cellars from Bowers Fold.

The court heard that a bag full of spirits valued at hundreds of pounds was recovered and tools had been found in the bag.

Ms Walsh said Lawrence was abusive and threatened to come back and damage the bar.

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As Lawrence was on his way to custody he kicked out at a police officer, according to Ms Walsh, and while he was in the custody suite he reached out to strike another officer.

Lawrence, who has 23 previous convictions, pleaded guilty to burglary after the break-in and admitted two counts of assaulting an emergency worker.

Dermot Hughes, defending, said Lawrence has been in custody over six months and has never benefited from a drug rehabilitation programme and he wishes to apologise.

Judge Harrison sentenced Lawrence to a two-year community order with a Drug Rehabilitation Requirement and a Rehabilitation Activity Requirement.

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She also imposed a four-year restraining order, meaning he has to keep away from the bar.

Judge Harrison warned Lawrence that if he breached the order he faces a custodial sentence of two years and one month.

She said: “If you and I meet again, two years and one month will be the sentence.

“You are being given a chance. There are people who say that with your record you do not deserve it. Do not prove me wrong in giving you this opportunity.”