'Greedy' thief who stole from friend is jailed (From Darlington and Stockton Times)

'Greedy' thief who stole from friend is jailed

6:00am Thursday 29th November 2012 in News

A THIEF who stole from a friend after she let him stay at her home was jailed yesterday after being told by a judge: “You were just greedy.”

Antony McAleavy breached a suspended prison sentence when he snatched money, tobacco and computer games from the house in Stockton.

The suspended term had been imposed in February for an affray during which the 24-year-old attacked two others with a metal pole and a glass.

At Teesside Crown Court, Judge Howard Crowson jailed McAleavy, of Corportation Street, Stockton, for five months after he admitted theft.

The judge told him: “You were given the opportunity of a bed for the night and breached the trust that was placed in you and took the property.

“Your probation officer says you have a difficulty with problem-solving. The reality is you were just greedy and took it for yourself.

“That must have been a great disappointment for her.”

Paul Abrahams, mitigating, urged the judge to give McAleavy a final chance, but admitted the breach “puts him in a difficult position”.

The court heard how he has a record containing 45 offences, including burglary, drugs, criminal damage and having an offensive weapon.

Mr Abrahams said McAleavy was keen to put his past behind him, and wanted “to prove he has the ability to change.”

Judge Crowson told the defendant: “I hope when you are released, the good intentions expressed on your behalf are acted upon.

“If you carry on this way, it is going to be longer and longer sentences."