A POLICE chief has criticised magistrates who failed to jail a thief with 51 convictions.

Newcastle police's Chief Superintendent John Graham said it was time justices were made accountable for their decisions and called for a district judge to be appointed as overseer.

He spoke out after Newcastle magistrates failed to jail a serial thief who was arrested for burglary a day after he was sentenced for other offences.

Chief Supt Graham said he wanted a district judge to sit in the courts to advise or oversee cases involving prolific offenders.

He said: "I am calling for a district judge in Newcastle who would be able to advise on serious cases.

"The police are working closely with agencies and partners to reduce crime in the city, even though levels are relatively low, but the hard-core offenders do not respond to community or rehabilitation orders.

"In certain cases, a tough stance is needed, or at least for the appropriate case to be passed on to the Crown Court for a lengthy prison term to be considered."

Chief Supt Graham cited the case that came before Newcastle magistrates on October 13. The man who appeared in court is one of a number of serial offenders who are plaguing businesses.

He was charged with stealing a laptop computer case after he broke in through a window at a city building society on September 25.

It was the day after he was sentenced for theft and twice breaching rehabilitation orders. He was then given a further rehabilitation order.

Chief Supt Graham said: "Magistrates granted him a six-month conditional discharge on his latest appearance, even though he has breached bail and court orders on 21 occasions, and he was on yet another community rehabilitation order when he was arrested for the city burglary."