Conway Sims, a repeat offender in Swindon, was given a stark choice by a judge: prison or a suspended sentence for his crimes.
Mr. Ballinger explained the crimes. On May 21, Sims had a BB gun, and a guard saw him on Havelock Street. The guard thought Sims stole something and found steel BBs too. Police arrived and seized the BB gun.
Sims said he used it in the woods and did not threaten anyone. On July 11, Sims stole a bike from a Theobald Street garden. CCTV showed him looking at it before taking the bike. Police found Sims using the CCTV footage.
On August 21, Sims damaged a car by breaking the windshield wipers. The damage cost £32 to fix. He also punched a man in the nose after the man confronted Sims.
On November 6, he stole from a Co-op in Covingham Square. On December 2, he stole from B&M, and the stolen items cost £19.98. Sims had a prior community order but broke the rules, committing more offenses.
Mr. Hotson defended Sims, saying he has mental health issues. Sims was homeless but has now moved to Bath and seeks help there. Mr. Hotson said Sims can change and choose to obey the law.
The judge questioned another order, asking if Sims would reoffend and stating he must take responsibility. The judge offered a choice: prison or a suspended sentence. She asked if he wanted a suspended sentence and warned him about future chances.
Sims wanted the suspended sentence. The judge gave him 32 weeks, suspended for one year. He must pay £114 and will have 15 days of probation.