A SERIAL thief who has a 10-year criminal history has walked free from court after a judge said he would give him a chance.
Heavy drinker Liam Smallman, who stole vodka, rum, chocolate and meat from Sainsbury's branch in Morley Street, Derby, was given a 18-month community order with an alcohol treatment programme.
The 23-year-old, who has committed more than 40 offences in his life – mainly shoplifting – told the court he wanted to change.
Judge John Burgess told Smallman, of Shalfleet Drive, Alvaston, to leave the dock and stand in the witness box and asked him: "Why will this time be different?"
Smallman replied: "I have been in and out of prison for the last 10 years of my life and I realise what it's been doing to my family.
"My mum came to see me last week and was crying and saying 'I don't want to see you dead by 30'."
The judge asked him what he wanted to do with his life.
Smallman said: "I want to get a job – I've never had a job in my life – and want a nice girlfriend, and settle down in the long run."
Sarah Slater, prosecuting, said on October 5 Smallman forced open the sliding doors of Sainsbury's just after it had closed and the staff were in the warehouse.
He stole vodka, rum and chocolate bars to the value of £25.
Then on December 6, he shoplifted from the store three times in the space of an hour, stealing meat worth £27.
Police officers recognised him from the CCTV footage.
Smallman admitted burglary and three offences of theft.
Judge Burgess said Smallman's life was "a sad story".
"He's had a very difficult childhood and it's not all together surprising to see him in the state he is in now. Drugs previously and alcohol now."
The judge told Smallman: "I am going to give you this chance.
"I hope you do yourself justice and don't let me down."
He added: "You have had a difficult life, I know that, but alcohol is rotting it at the moment and unless you address that, the worst will happen.
"If you don't take this chance you will be letting yourself down, your mother down and me down."
