Judge takes pity on father-to-be thief

Monday October 25, 2010

By DAVID ST GEORGE

AN Old Bailey judge took pity on a robber and set him free so that he can watch his son being born "within days".

Thutmoe Stanbury, 19, admitted taking part with another man – not arrested – in robbing a shopkeeper just yards from a shopkeeper in Stratford, east London. They stole £60 from the victim who had withdrawn cash from a bank.

Daniella Cooper, defending, said Stanbury, of Highgate Road, Kentish Town, had not been in trouble before and confessed his part from the moment he was arrested.

"He is desperate to be at the birth of his son. He needed money to support his partner," said Miss Cooper.

Judge Stephen Kramer, QC, passed a 12 month sentence suspended for two years on Friday. He ordered Stanbury to undergo 18 months probation supervision for the "frightening" attack and also perform 150 hours unpaid community work.

"You have come within a whisker of going into custody. I hope no court ever sees you again," said the judge. With a sigh of relief Stanbury left the dock saying: "Thank you."