A prison sentence imposed on a man who took a minibus after stealing the keys in a school burglary is to remain unchanged.

Jack Riddell received an eight-month sentence at Durham Crown Court last month, to be served consecutively upon completion of the remainder of a previous 16-month jail term imposed for a string of burglaries and attempted break-ins of houses in Spennymoor, all committed on the same night in late November.

The case was back before the court today (Wednesday, July 12) after questions were raised over the validity of the sentence imposed last month.

Riddell appeared via video link from Holme House Prison, in Stockton, where he is now serving the sentence handed down at the court on June 23.

Read more: Spennymoor man in court after five homes targeted in burglary spree

The 21-year-old defendant, of Sledmore Drive, Spennymoor, was jailed having admitted burglary at Durham School, on Quarryheads Lane in the city, in which he took a set of vehicle keys, on September 9, last year.

He also admitted taking a vehicle, the school minibus, without consent, driving it while disqualified and carelessly, in High Street and Whitworth Lane, Spennymoor, all also committed on September 9.

Following police inquiries, Riddell was arrested on October 17, after being identified as responsible for the burglary, plus the taking and driving of the minibus.

Passing sentence, Recorder Tom Moran said the eight-months should only begin on completion of the sentences already being served by Riddell.

He also banned him from driving for two years and four months.

Read more: Drunk teen burgled school then went to the police station

Chris Bevan, prosecuting, told the court today that by the time of last month’s hearing Riddell was serving two sentences, the uncompleted part of the previous 16-month jail term for the burglaries and five months, imposed more recently by magistrates for another unspecified offence.

Chris Morrison, for Riddell, agreed that was the position.

“He was initially sentenced on December 23, released on licence in May, I believe, before committing another offence for which he was sentenced to five months by the magistrates.

“As a result of that he was recalled to prison to serve the unserved part of the 16-month sentence for which he had been released on licence.

“So, when it came to sentence, the Recorder could have made it concurrent, but he didn’t and decided to make it consecutive due to the recall matter.”

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Judge James Adkin, therefore, declared: “Everyone agrees, then, that the sentence was right.

“It transpires it was correct and so it remains the same.”

Riddell was sent back to his wing to complete the remainder of the sentence.