Sheffield serial offender spared further punishment after apologising for insulting judge
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Sheffield Crown Court heard how David Dixon, aged 48, of Brightmore Drive, Netherthorpe, Sheffield, called Judge Sarah Wright a “f*****g s**g” from a prison video link after he was sentenced to 37 months of custody on January 27 for thefts, burglaries and fraud offences.
Judge Wright said: “I heard the words the defendant has said as he left the room a few minutes ago and I regard that as a contempt of court.”
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Hide AdDixon’s defence barrister, Ian Goldsack, discussed the situation with the defendant before Dixon was summoned to reappear minutes later via his prison video-link.
Mr Goldsack told Judge Wright: “It won’t surprise you to learn he was extremely disappointed with your honour’s sentence and he accepts he spoke in anger.”
He added: “He would like to pass on his apology through me for the way he expressed himself.”
However, as Dixon attempted to personally apologise Judge Wright chose to adjourn the hearing until Friday, January 29, after she said she had concerns about the defendant’s “tone” and “insolence”.
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Hide AdDixon told the court: “I am sorry for what I said. At the end of the day I was trying to sort my life out. I am sorry for what I did. I am genuinely sorry for what I said but I lost my temper.”
But Judge Wright said she regarded his behaviour, his tone and his insolence in the way he spoke to her as “completely and utterly inappropriate”.
During a subsequent contempt hearing on Friday, January 29, the court heard Dixon has had further time to reflect and he stands by his apology and he did not mean to be confrontational and aggressive.
Judge Wright agreed that because the defendant was prepared to apologise that would bring an end to the contempt of court matter.
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Hide AdDixon, who has 203 previous convictions, had pleaded guilty to three non-dwelling burglaries, two shop thefts, a wallet theft, and fraud matters after he had used the contents from the wallet on five occasions.
Ian West, prosecuting, had told the court Dixon stole tools from an apartment at Riverside Court during a burglary in November, 2019.
Dixon also stole perfumes from a Boots, at Stocksbridge, during a theft in March, 2020, according to Mr West.
Mr West added Dixon also burgled a boxing gym and a WH Smith’s store in Sheffield in July.
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Hide AdDixon also stole a wallet from a man in August and bank cards, according to Mr West, and committed low-level frauds with the contents of the wallet.
Mr West said the defendant also stole chocolate from a Co-op in Southey Green, Sheffield, July.
Mr Goldsack said Dixon realises he has reached a stage in his life where he has to change and he has been getting support with his drug problem.
Judge Wright also placed Dixon on Criminal Behaviour Order for five years during the sentencing hearing on January 27.