R v AM [2024] (Isleworth Crown Court) – Suspended sentence for client committed to Crown Court for burglary

Dharsha Jegatheeswaran’s client was charged with one count of non-domestic burglary. The Defendant was part of a group of individuals who fraudulently obtained out of hours access to a storage unit facility, broke into one of the units by removed the door of the unit using an angle grinder, and stole £100,000 worth of product from the unit.

Dharsha’s client pleaded guilty before the Magistrate’s Court and was committed to the Crown Court for sentencing. A co-defendant received a sentence of 15 months imprisonment.

Dharsha argued that her client had a lesser role in the organisation of the crime, which was accepted by the Judge. The Judge was also persuaded by points raised in mitigation regarding the Defendant’s personal circumstances and prospect of rehabilitation.

The Judge imposed a sentence of 11 weeks imprisonment suspended for 12 months with one requirement of unpaid work.