Youth given second chance

The town court was told how Ryan Holland (20), who had been remanded to Glen Parva Young Offenders Institute, admitted a string of offences.

They included stealing a mobile phone, going equipped to siphon fuel from a motor vehicle and assaulting and obstructing police officers.

Daniel Pietryka, prosecuting, said Holland took the mobile phone while visiting his ex-partner and punched an officer in the face when police caught up with him.

The siphoning offence occurred when Holland was caught in a vehicle by police with fuel containers and a hose pipe.

Melanie Hoffman, defending, said Holland was someone who had suffered a number of difficulties.

“He was witness to a number of domestic violence incidents at home and went into the care system aged 12-13,” said Ms Hoffman.

“Since coming out of the care system, aged 17, he has been using drugs to escape reality. He takes full responsibility for the offences.”

Holland was given a 12-month community order with a nine-month drug rehabilitation requirement.

He was also ordered to pay compensation to the officers of £50 each, court costs of £120 and a victim surcharge of £60.

The Sutton man was also given a restraining order.