Shoplifter smashed through window to avoid capture

Darren Meager, 32, of Milward Road, Hastings, had been caught with two packs of torches by security staff at B&Q at Ravenside retail park.

He smashed through the window in a bid to escape arrest but injured himself in the process.

He was being sentenced for the theft, which took place on November 11, 2003, among five offences at Hastings Magistrates' Court on Monday.

Claire Prodger, prosecuting said: "He was seen within the store collecting two packs of torches. He concealed them within his jacket.

"He was approached by shop security staff. He removed the items from his jacket and ran to a window and jumped out.

"He injured himself and was detained and then arrested."

Mr Meager was being sentenced for another theft, of two pairs of jeans worth 64 from Marks and Spencer on February 9 last year.

He was also sentenced for two counts of failing to surrender to bail and one breach of a drug treatment and testing order.

Kim Goodall, defending, said Mr Meager had turned his life around after battling drug problems.

He said: "When this defendant last appeared at this court on October 18 he was a very different man to the one he is today.

"His appearance has changed and he seems to have sorted himself out.

"There has been a remarkable change in this young man."

Mr Meager was sentenced to a 12 month community rehabilitation order by magistrates, who were satisfied he was trying to reform himself.

The chairman of the bench, Graham Frost, said: "You have changed your life and you are to be congratulated on that."

They also imposed a two month curfew order, to run from 8pm to 8am each night.