Drug addict Stratford is finally jailed (From Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard)

Drug addict Stratford is finally jailed

SERIAL criminal Jason Stratford has finally been sent to jail.

And Judge Jamie Tabor QC, who sentenced him to 18 months last week, told him it was time to "grow up".

The 18-year-old was named as one of a handful of local drug addicts who were responsible for the majority of crime in Cirencester.

Yet, he fled a drug rehabilitation course earlier this year because "he can't swim" and "is frightened of heights".

Despite his poor record, the courts gave him another chance.

But, after hearing how Stratford had continued to offend whilst out on bail, new Gloucester Crown Court judge Jamie Tabor QC jailed him.

The judge told Stratford last Thursday: "The court has bent over backwards to try and help you.

"You have been sent to C-FAR (drug rehabilitation centre) and it's been a total disaster. I suspect it's because you need to grow up big time.

"Otherwise, you'll be back before me in the dock going down for a much longer time."

Earlier this year, the Standard reported how Stratford was making a mockery of the legal system after the courts continually allowed him back into the community where he re-offended.

He was originally given a two-year community rehabilitation order after admitting two burglaries and asking for a further four offences to be taken into consideration.

But he fled the drug rehabilitation course he was placed on as part of the agreement because it involved climbing and canoeing.

A new two-year community rehabilitation order was imposed.

Despite the fresh chance, Stratford was then convicted of two shoplifting offences (from the town's Argos and Tesco stores) and two of failing to surrender to bail.

Giles Nelson, defending, said: "He returned to Cirencester and started on heroin again. The two offences of theft were to fund that addiction."

Cotswold MP Geoffrey Clifton-Brown, who made representations to the courts, urging them to take tougher action against local offenders, welcomed the news.

The Tory member, who has raised the issue in the House of Commons, said: "I think this sends a very serious message to others who are contemplating similar crimes. I hope it leads to a reduction in crime in the Cirencester area.

"If people commit crimes they have got to expect that society will want to see them punished."