Into the newsroom: Court Story

A MAN who has a number of convictions, including burgling his own grandmother, was today advised to make an effort to prove he can become drug free.

Paul Michael Whybrow, 42, was given a firm talking to by His Honour Judge Guy Boney QC, and told to “Show a greater commitment” to the drug and alcohol programme he had been previously put on.

Mr. Whybrow attended Winchester Crown court due to a breech of order. On 26^th October 2007, he had been found guilty of burglary.

On 11^th June 2006, Mr. Whybrow stole food from his own Grandmothers home in Basingstoke.  Mrs. Reed told courts she had given her Grandson a “roof over his head and food on his plate”, but explained that she had “simply had enough”, adding he has a “serious drug problem.” He was given a community rehabilitation order, with 18 months supervision.

The court heard that Mr. Whybrow failed to comply with these arrangements. He only attended one CRI programme session on 7^th November 2007, and was under the influence of an illegal substance. He was absent from the next two sessions.

Mr Whybrow, who had previously gone to Basingstoke Magistrates’ Court and been convicted of burglary, shoplifting, attempted burglary and driving offences, was summoned to Winchester Crown Court. He was ordered to 2 years in prison.

The Crown Court heard today that shortly after being released from prison, he went back to drugs and stopped going to sessions. 

 Mr. Whybrow claimed that he was, “worried about mixing with other drug users.” “I believed I could get myself off of the drugs.” Mr. Whybrow was prescribed methadone by his GP and is currently still seeing his key worker regularly.

His Honour Judge Guy Boney QC, described Mr. Whybrow, as “wasting an opportunity” given to him. He continued; “I will give you one chance but not two. My advice to you is to go back to the programme and show the utmost commitment.”

Mr. Whybrow has until the 19^th March to change he’s ways, whilst a pre sentence report is being passed. 

350 words Michaela Kerner

February 26, 2008. Uncategorized.