A business owner turned to drugs after personal difficulties. And after admitting a plethora of crimes in and around Bristol to feed his habit he has has been locked up.
Ashley Unwin was described to Bristol Crown Court as an "intelligent and perceptive man". But the court heard that, after the death of his father and a relationship breakdown, drug addiction blighted his life.
Unwin, 34, of no fixed address, pleaded guilty to ten offences when sentenced today (Monday, January 30, 2023). They comprised of: four burglaries, two thefts, taking a vehicle without consent, two charges of criminal damage and assault of an emergency worker.
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Judge Euan Ambrose jailed him for 64 weeks after Unwin admitted breaching terms of a suspended sentenced the judge handed him in May last year. The judge told him: "You have a significant problem with drugs. The offences were almost all acquisitive in nature to feed a drug habit."
Mandla Ndlovu, prosecuting, said Unwin was captured on CCTV breaking into a premises in Elmdale Road, Tyndalls Park. After gaining entry into an office he stole some £15 cash, a mobile phone and charger, the court heard.
Mr Ndlovu said Unwin also stole £19.50 worth of whisky from Tesco Express in Trowbridge and £3,553 worth of building materials from a building site at Jacob Street, Bristol.
The court heard Unwin stole a £63 Adidas jacket from JD Sports in Cabot Circus. He also admitted stealing a car number plate, taking a vehicle without consent, damaging property and assaulting a police officer who bravely tried to intercept him.
Peter Binder, defending, said his client's dad died in 2015 and he underwent a long-term relationship split in 2017. Mr Binder said his had turned to drugs and committed crime, but was since drug-free and was anxious to engage with serices as he was "fed up" with his lifestyle.
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