A CONVICTED burglar risked activating a suspended custodial sentence for the sake of a £13 bottle of flavoured schnapps drink.

Russell Emerson Dixon was given a 32-week sentence in a young offenders’ institution, suspended for 18 months, during which he was ordered to undergo probation supervision, at Durham Crown Court, on August 24.

He admitted burglary of a property in Milbank Court, Durham, on July 23, when he was confronted by the householder and ran off, having taken two bottles of lager, worth £4, from the garage.

It put him at risk of an automatic three-year sentence behind bars as a “third strike” burglar.

At the time Judge Paul Sloan said he took “an exceptional course” by suspending the sentence to allow Dixon’s alcohol addiction to be addressed as part of the supervision programme, as the court heard that his drink problem lay behind his offending.

Dixon, 20, of Lavender Gardens, Sacriston, near Chester-le-Street, had spent 30 days in custody prior to being sentenced.

But he was back before the court today (MON OCT 22) having breached the order after admitting theft of a bottle of Sidekick vodka-based drink, from Home Bargains, in Dragonville, Durham, on September 23.

Lynsey Colling, prosecuting, said a girl with Dixon also took a bottle, but was dealt with by a caution.

Stuart Graham, mitigating, said drink continues to be Dixon’s downfall and still needs to be overcome.

Judge Christopher Prince told Dixon: “You were given a chance by Judge Sloan and you’ve just escaped a minimum sentence of imprisonment.

“It’s pretty unbelievable that given that chance you went and stole alcohol from that shop.”

The judge deferred sentence for six months and told Dixon to continue with the programme addressing his alcohol problem.

He must also undergo monthly reviews before Judge Prince to assess his progress.