PETTY criminal Daniel Storrar (correct spell) saved himself from a spell in jail by writing a letter to the judge pleading for mercy.

Storrar, 30, of Rowan Drive, Woodley, went home with his mother and other family members after leaving Reading Crown Court on Tuesday morning (April 5).

But ringing in his ears were the words of Judge Ian Grainger: "This has been your one chance to finally grow up. I hope you take it and I do not want to see you here any more."

The court heard from prosecutor Rachel Law that Storrar had committed a burglary offence within hours of being discharged from custody after shoplifting a bottle of vodka from a supermarket.

Storrar, a serial offender, particularly regarding 'minor vehicle interference,' admitted taking a car without the owner's consent after taking the car keys, burglary, driving without a licence and without insurance, stealing

car registration plates, dangerous driving and shoplifting from Waitrose.

Miss Law said he stole a Nissan car from outside the home of a family from Earley after smashing their front door while they were out. He had earlier that day been released from custody.

The judge gave him '10 per cent credit' for making a belated plea of guilty regarding one of the charges but otherwise appeared unmoved by defence pleas of mitigation regarding his mental health and problems including drug

misuse, temper and anxiety, and personality disorder.

But the judge heard he had a supportive family and suspended the 14-month jail sentence for 18 months so Mr Storrar could get his life back on track.

The judge said: "The one document that has saved you from prison is your letter, which is incoherent in places.

"But you clearly want to turn your life around, and I am prepared to give you this one last chance."

Storrar will face the full sentence if he commits another offence of any kind and must comply with the instructions of the Probation Service.

Because the accused has no money, the burgled family, from Earley, will get no compensation.

Miss Law said the burglary, on November 15 last year, had upset the family greatly, and had been costly. They had suffered a 'huge sense of invasion.'

The car keys of their Nissan were never seen again and they no longer felt safe in their own home 'as we once did.'

Storrar's offences took place between June 27 2014 and November 15 last year.

Miss Law said he had been seen by traffic police driving badly in Woodley in a BMW, and weaved in an out of traffic, before reaching speeds of 60-70mph in a 30mph zone.

The car 'disappeared from sight' and was later found abandoned but undamaged outside Storrar's girlfriend's house.