Norfolk criminal gets second chance

A man who has pledged to reform his ways has been backed by Norwich magistrates, who gave him the best New Year's present he could hope for - a clean slate to start the year.

A man who has pledged to reform his ways has been backed by Norwich magistrates, who gave him the best New Year's present he could hope for - a clean slate to start the year.

Dean Haskell, 24, from Ashfield Road, North Walsham, told Norwich Magistrates' Court his 10 years of misbehaving were over.

Haskell pleaded guilty to possessing cannabis resin in Hoveton on November 19, and failing to surrender to bail on December 4.

Prosecuting, Richard Paterson said a wrap containing 0.3g of cannabis resin with a street value of 90p was found in Haskell's car.

In mitigation, Alison McManus said in relation to the failure to surrender, Haskell's family in Hoveton had kicked him out in December, and he had found it hard to adjust back to civilian life after release from prison.

She said: 'He buried his head in the sand and wanted to find alternative accommodation before he appeared in court. He realises he has been too heavily into drink and drugs in the last 10 years, but he has a new girlfriend and wants to change.'

He was handed a 12-months conditional discharge for the possession of drugs and another 12-months conditional discharge for the Bail Act offence, to run concurrently. An order was also made for the forfeiture and destruction of the drugs.

Chairman of the bench Val Khambatta told him: 'This is the best New Year's present we can give you. We are trying to encourage you.'