A career criminal who broke into a home armed with
A career criminal who broke into a home armed with a meat cleaver was spared jail today (FRI) to pursue his new life as a poet.
Mark Patterson, 41, was caught as he fled from burgling an empty house in Deptford, south London.
He was facing a lengthy jail sentence for the raid, but walked free from court after a judge heard he has turned over a new leaf.
Patterson started writing verse behind bars, and has a ‘natural talent’ for language, the Old Bailey heard.
He is currently trying to kick his heroin habit, and is seeking a publisher for his work.
Sentencing the crook to an 18-month drug treatment and testing order, Judge Simon Simon Goldstein said: ‘I am going to take a chance on you.
‘The motivation for you to succeed under this order is your absolute desire to try to make a success of your undoubted talent for writing poetry.
‘That would be utterly shattered if you fail any part of this very, very arduous order, or if you commit any offence.
‘
The court heard Patterson has a criminal record that began when he was just 11 years old.
Prosecutor Edmund Fowler said neighbours heard the sound of breaking glass from an unoccupied house in Trundleys Terrace, Deptford, on April 27 this year.
They spotted two men acting suspiciously near the back of the property and, realising the owner was in hospital at the time, called police.
When Patterson was arrested nearby, he told officers: ‘Fair enough.
You’ve got me.
‘
Although nothing had been stolen from the house, police found a machete in Patterson’s jacket pocket.
Patterson admitted being part of the burglary but claimed he was only there to help two other men in disposing of the stolen goods.
His lengthy list of previous convictions include a seven-and-a-half-year sentence for burglary, grievous bodily harm and theft in 1988.
At the time of the break-in, Patterson was on parole for a two year burglary sentence in March 2001, the court heard.
Edmund Vickers, defending, said Patterson is trying to make a fresh start as a poet after writing verse while on remand.
He also wants to support his 18-year-old daughter, who has a promising academic career.
Patterson, of (91) Gosterwood Street, Deptford, pleaded guilty to aggravated burglary.
He must return to court every three months so his progress can be monitored by the judge.
ends
addpoet.
