ST ALBANS CAR THIEF SENTENCED

Nineteen-year-old Stefan Jakeman of Green lane in St Albans was sentenced to three years and nine months imprisonment at St Albans Crown Court yesterday (Monday March 22, 2010).

He had been released on bail at court to be assessed for the forward thinking Choices and Consequences (C2) programme, but ultimately, was not accepted onto it.

"The C2 programme is not an easy option - it is intensive and hard work," said Detective Inspector Stuart Campfield, who runs the programme.

"Jakeman, who had stated his commitment to it, failed to maintain it when given the opportunity to do so. He couldn't show that he would take advantage of the opportunities it has to offer. He missed appointments with support agencies and breached the conditions of his bail. As a result, he now has to serve his custodial sentence."

Jakeman asked for 377 offences to be taken into consideration - even though 180 (mostly garage burglaries) had not been reported to police.

Stuart said: "As a result of C2, he has told us about dozens of offences - the majority thefts from motor vehicles and garage burglaries, which may otherwise have remained undetected. And for his more serious crimes, including domestic burglaries, we have been able to reassure the victims that we have the person responsible."

What is C2 and How Does it Work?

C2 is run in conjunction with Hertfordshire Probation, the Drug Interventions Programme (DIP) and other agencies.
The candidates for C2 are prolific, non-violent acquisitive criminals generally with some form of addiction, which drives their criminality, - this programme looks to break this cycle of offending.

It is not a soft option for offenders as they are bound by court conditions and must engage in a rigorous training and rehabilitation programme.

Whilst imprisonment is still an option should he re-offend, C2 requires a resolute commitment from candidates to change their lifestyle, kick any addiction they may have, train and ultimately seek, and remain in, honest employment.

Candidates must actively participate in the programme, including abstaining from using any form of drugs - regular tests will be carried out to ensure there are no substances in their system - and attending interim court hearings.

If they breach their community sentence, a Judge would have the same sentencing powers for the original offences.

The C2 programme is a Hertfordshire Criminal Justice Board (HCJB) project run in conjunction with Hertfordshire Constabulary, Hertfordshire Probation, the Drug Interventions Programme, the Regional Offender Management Service, Hertfordshire County Council's Crime and Drug Strategy Unit, Herts in Trust, the Regional Offender Learning & Skills Centre, Turning Point and Hertfordshire Primary Care Trust.

www.hertspolice.co.uk

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