Today, a Belfast man on bail who had broken into a home and stolen the car of its occupant while “out of his mind” was sentenced to a year in prison.
Mark Reel, the judge who handed down the sentence of 2 years 4 months to Marc Samuel Spencer told him that after his release from prison he would spend 16 months in a licence.
Spencer from Victoria Street admitted to five offenses that he committed at the dawn of 1 October 2022.
The Belfast Crown Court heard at 3am that he had targeted and tried to enter a home on Martinez Avenue, in the eastern part of the city.
After stealing a key to the house and a remote, he walked over to Kirkliston Park, where he broke into a home.
A set of keys was also stolen, and the burglar then fled in the Toyota Yaris driven by its occupant.
Around 5am the police found the vehicle stolen in Ligoniel.
Spencer fled from the car after it approached on Wolfhill Drive, but was soon caught.
He was discovered to have a lock-knife and some other stolen items from the home he had burgled.
He gave an ‘no comments’ answer to the questions posed to him during an interview at Musgrave Street Police Station.
Spencer told the probation officer that he had drunk and taken drugs for most of the day, and was completely out-of-his mind when he did these crimes.
He admitted to the charges of burglary and attempted burglary. Other charges included aggravated car theft, criminal damage, possession of a locking knife, as well as a charge of taking unauthorized vehicle.
Declan Quinn, the defence barrister said that while Spencer had a “no comment” stance when speaking to police officers, he “was fully candid” in his conversation with a probationary officer. He “admits he wasn’t under control with drugs at this time.”
Quinn said that Spencer has reflected on how to end the “cycle of crime” in his life.
The judge said that he was aware of Spencer’s ADHD diagnosis, drug use and his efforts to overcome his addiction.
The Judge also considered Spencer’s 65-strong “relevant” criminal history, which included 11 burglary offenses as well as Spencer having been on bail during the relevant period.
The two homeowners would have had a “frightening” experience if Spencer targeted their home in the middle night.
Spencer was told to stand up by Judge Reel, who addressed him on the dock. “Your offense is so grave that a fine or a community-service order cannot be justified.” “Only an immediate custody sentence is appropriate.”
Spencer was banned from driving by Judge Reel for a period of two years, four months.
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