A powerful plea by a probation officer has saved a

A powerful plea by a probation officer has saved a drug
addict from jail.

It seemed the end of the road had come for burglar Sean
Fitzsimmons, 26, when he pleaded guilty to a walk-in raid.

Judge Jeremy Fordham rejected defence submissions that
Fitzsimmons’ latest crime – his targets were always non-residential
properties – did not ‘warrant’ a custodial sentence.

‘He has had a problem with heroin addiction and clearly the
basis of his offending is his addiction,’ said Miss Sarah Lawson
defending, at Inner London Crown Court.

‘The fact that he commits crimes to fund a heroin addiction
doesn’t make it any nicer for the people he burgles,’ interposed
the judge.

But since his arrest for the walk-in burglary at an accountants
office in Kingsland Road, Shoreditch, E2 on August 11, this year
Fitzsimmons has made tremendous efforts to kick his habit.

‘He has voluntarily registered himself with the drugs
dependancy clinic at Hackney hospital,’ said counsel.

Probation officer Mr Wally Morgan then described the great
progress Fitzsimmons had made to reduce his prescribed methodone
intake.

‘He has shown to me a very firm commitment to straighten
out his life,’ said Mr Morgan.

He told the court that he had a number of former drug misusers
on his ‘case load’ with whom he worked intensely.

Then turning to the public gallery he revealed that a number
of his clients ‘who have all been through these courts in the last
year’ were present in court – visible proof of the success of the
intensive course he was running.

Mr Morgan said he had made it clear to Fitzsimmons that the
probation programme was not ‘a soft option’ and ‘I have told him I
am not prepared to waste any of my time on him.

‘
The officer assured Judge Fordham: ‘If there is any falsehood
or any sign he has lost his commitment I would return him to the
court immediately.

‘
He said that Fitzsimmons had had many visits to prison
in the past, but ‘they have done nothing for him and have not
helped society.

‘
Judge Fordham interrupted: ‘Accept he could not commit
burglaries whilst in prison.

.

.

.

.

.

‘
Mr Morgan: ‘I would be hoping for infinite relief from this
problem.

By coming here accompanied I have tried to demonstrate
that there is life (for addicts) after custody and probation.

‘
He added: ‘I think Fitzsimmons is, this time, committed.

‘
Miss Lawson went on to say that Fitzsimmons’ wife had
decided to stand by him on the basis that he does rid himself of
drugs.

‘If his addiction can be cured then it will not only be
better for him, but for society in general,’ she concluded.

Placing Fitzsimmons of Buckland Street, Hoxton on probation
for two years the judge told him: ‘If I may say so, you have a lot
to thank Mr Morgan for.

‘If he had not come along and said what he did to me I would
be passing a prison sentence on you.

‘Although I appreciate what has been going on is because
of your heroin addiction, that is no comfort to the people on
the receiving end of what you do.

‘
Judge Fordham then warned Fitzsimmons: ‘If you are not
proposing to go through with this and carry on thieving you would
be better off being sentenced today.

‘
Then as Fitzsimmons left the dock the judge added: ‘I hope
from everyone’s point of you, particularly yours, you kick the
habit.

‘
Nothing was taken in the office burglary.

ENDS