Burglar back behind bars despite Christmas vow

Tommy vowed that he would stay on the straight and narrow so he could spend time with his five children this Christmas rather than do more time in prison.

A prolific burglar who fronted a police campaign to urge offenders not to be "puddings" and to “stay out of trouble to stay out of prison” this Christmas has been recalled to prison for breaching his bail conditions by testing positive for drugs.

Police say that though they, probation services and other support agencies were doing their best to support Tommy Rouse, 35, to turn his back on crime they had no hesitation in returning him to prison when he failed to adhere to his bail conditions.

Tommy vowed that he would stay on the straight and narrow so he could spend time with his five children this Christmas rather than do more time in prison. He had been convicted of a range of offences in the last 20 years including burglary, car theft, assault and drug offences and had spent nine Christmases behind bars and away from his family.

Superintendent Mark Granby, said: “ Tommy Rouse was given the chance to go straight, make something of his life and undo some of the pain he had inflicted on himself, his family and society.

“After 18 weeks on bail he shattered the faith people had put in him by returning to drug use. This was despite the progress he had made in getting a flat, starting to take responsibility for his family and being supported to take up a painting and decorating course.

“The message to people like Tommy is clear. You will be given a chance and support to turn your back on crime and become a useful member of society but there are conditions. Fail to keep those conditions and you will find yourself back behind bars whether its Christmas or not.”