Former Royal Marine blows chance to keep out of prison after Skegness theft spree

JUDGE EARLIER SHOWED LENIENCY

- By MARTIN NAYLOR [e-mail]

A FORMER Royal Marine, who was given a chance to avoid prison because of his impeccable military career, has let down the judge who spared him by carrying out a spate of shop thefts.

Nottingham Crown Court heard how Arran Huthwaite, who served his country for 10 years, feels “ashamed” of himself for disappointing his family for his fresh bout of offending.

The 35-year-old, formerly of Clifton and who once robbed a Beeston store while armed with a screwdriver, went on a shoplifting spree in Skegness that saw him target one supermarket three times in the same day.

This has led to him being handed a two-and-a-half year sentence for a catalogue of offences.

Judge Stuart Rafferty KC said: “I have given you more chances than most people get and the reason for that, you know perfectly well, is because you served your country impeccably and you suffered mental health issues because of that.