22-year-old who dodged prison sentences three times for serious offences finally jailed (From Darlington and Stockton Times)

22-year-old who dodged prison sentences three times for serious offences finally jailed

8:00am Monday 30th April 2012 in News By Neil Hunter

A YOUNG lout who has dodged prison three times for serious offences has finally been jailed for a burglary in which he stole his victim’s beloved dog – which has never been recovered.

Daniel Mills, from Darlington, was told by a judge at Teesside Crown Court: “You have led a charmed life – that will have to come to an end today.”

Mills broke into a house in the town’s Geneva Road while the occupant was at work and stole jewellery and electrical goods worth more than £3,000.

The 22-year-old raider also took the family’s pet poodle, Fizzy, which has still not been found nearly a year after the day-time raid, on May 16, last year.

The court heard how Azita Farokhinia and her 14-yearold son have been left heartbroken and have had to move from their home because of the trauma.

Mills’s barrister, Jonathan Walker, said Mills had drunk too much alcohol during an unhappy period in his life, which led to him getting into trouble.

In 2009, he received suspended prison sentences on two occasions – once for arson, burglary and taking a car without consent, and once for another burglary.

The following year, he was given a deferred sentence and then a conditional discharge for another break-in, said Sue Jacobs, prosecuting.

Mr Walker told Judge Gillian Matthews: “It was an ugly offence and this will be his first custodial sentence.

He has tried his luck on successive occasions.

“He is clearly immensely proud of his young daughter and one can only hope his life gets onto an even keel after his period of incarceration.”

The judge told Mills, of Fenby Avenue, Darlington: “This was an extremely unpleasant offence, but I note you have shown remorse and wish to make an apology.

“A considerable amount of property was taken which was worth a great deal and, indeed, the victim’s dog which is particularly important to her.

“It has caused the victim considerable distress and ongoing distress which has driven her from her home, and she is still not comfortable in her new home.

“Burglars like you need to understand the powerful impact you have on your victims.

The victim will have to live with the consequences for an extremely long time.

“You have led a charmed life and you have had numerous sentences of suspended imprisonment – that will have to come to an end today.”

Mills was jailed for 12 months. He admitted the burglary in which drawers and wardrobes in two bedrooms had been emptied in his search for items to steal.