A "PERSISTENT" Hereford offender was in tears as he appeared at Hereford Magistrates Court to be sentenced for seven charges.

Ashley White entered a guilty plea to one count of theft of a bicycle, one count of theft from a shop, and five counts of breaching a criminal behaviour order. 

He had stolen a bike from a Hereford man, £149.94 worth of clothing from TK Maxx, and breached an order banning him from going to Eign Gate or Commercial Street.

In a hearing on October 25, Mark Hambling said that 32-year-old White was a "persistent" offender, adding: "He's not got a very good record in terms of convictions."

White, who has no fixed address and is currently staying in Woofferton, stood to speak to magistrates, saying: "Hands up, it was me. But now I'm clean off everything - alcohol and drugs - and I'm actually doing well. I'm on an accommodation list and want to go back to work. I feel a lot better than I did, trying to keep myself on the straight and narrow, looking after my dog and seeing my kids."

Magistrates asked White about the recent death of his father. Fighting back tears, he said: "That was part of the reason I went off the rails. We were close. My mum walked out on me when I was nine and dad worked two or three jobs when I was growing up to support me and my brothers. I miss him, but  I've failed him now." 

As he sat with his head in his hands, magistrates apologised if they had upset him and he was given tissues to wipe his eyes.

A probation officer said: "He has his moments. He's not the easiest when he's got a strop on, but he's homeless and living on the streets, so you can't blame him. He lost his last job when he lost his accommodation. Hopefully when things are in place it'll be a lot better."

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Magistrates sentenced White to an 18-month community order, and fined him £25 with a victim surcharge of £114 and £149.94 in compensation for stolen items.

After sentencing him, one magistrate said: "I do remember you and the last time I saw you, you were not looking well at all. I hope you're able to make the most of this opportunity. It looks as though you are doing so."

He thanked the magistrates as he left the court, saying: "That's very kind. Have a lovely day."