A MAN with 111 offences on his record was told by the judge sentencing him at Bradford Crown Court: “I think you’ve been here more often than I have.”

James Bow, 52, had made 35 court appearances over the years for offences including house burglary, robbery, criminal damage, driving matters and threatening behaviour.

Today he was sentenced for two attempted burglaries by Recorder Richard Woolfall who urged him to take the chance he was giving him.

Bow was living in a hostel for the homeless when he committed the offences within a short space of time in the early hours of June 4 last year.

The court heard that he and an accomplice smashed the window of Saville Deli on Saville Park Road, Halifax, with a rock at around 5am then ran off when the alarm sounded. They did £300 damage and were caught on CCTV.

Soon afterwards, they were trying to break into a house on nearby Moorlands View.

Bow attempted to prise open a door with a screwdriver but was unsuccessful. He did up to £400 damage and left the householder angry and worried.

Solicitor advocate, Saf Salam, said Bow had no recent relevant convictions.

He was very drunk at the time, homeless and associating with other drug and alcohol misusers after losing his wife.

He had since suffered a stroke after he was violently assaulted earlier this year.

Recorder Woolfall said Bow had made great strides to turn his life around. He was now in stable and supported housing and his family had rallied round.

Referring to his extensive criminal record, the Recorder commented: “I think you’ve been here more often than I have.”

But Bow had proved that he could stay out of trouble and impressive references from supportive professionals showed that he was making good progress.

He was sentenced to 18 months imprisonment, suspended for two years, with a six month alcohol treatment requirement and 25 rehabilitation activity days.

Recorder Woolfall urged him to take the chance he had given him and not let down himself, his family and his support worker.