A MAN with 129 theft offences has been jailed after he was caught with a Stanley knife in Winchester City Centre just after Christmas.

Daniel Casey had the blade in Parchment Street on December 28, 2019, an area that would have been “busy”, according to prosecutor Kerry Richardson.

Members of the public called police after seeing Casey, where he was arrested by officers.

When searched, he was found to be in possession of stolen items from TK Maxx, as well as cannabis. He was taken to Basingstoke where pregabalin and diazepam, both class C drugs, were found on him.

Ms Richardson said that Casey had the knife because he was homeless and needed it to cut the ropes off of a tent.

Basingstoke Magistrates’ Court heard on Thursday that Casey was caught “bang to rights”, according to defence counsel Ed Stott.

The 41-year-old, of Hyde Gate, Winchester, had recently been released from prison for unrelated matters, where he managed to get himself clean.

“The only thing that was outstanding for him was that he owed someone £40 for drugs and that is why he has the broken jaw,” Mr Stott continued.

“He was released under investigation [for this offence]. At this juncture, there is a realistic possibility of rehabilitation.

“He is sorting out his benefits, he is going along to probation. His best chance of staying out is a suspended sentence with a curfew.

“He is less chaotic than he has been beforehand. He would be devastated if he went to prison. His desperation to get out is because he has this accommodation.

“I would ask you to consider that there is enough for you to not give him a custodial sentence.”

District Judge Pattinson said that he had no choice but to send Casey back to prison because it was his second offence of possessing a knife in a public place.

He added: “You have three different drugs in your possession at the same time. If you are buying drugs, you have to deal with dealers. We all know about issues that can arise.

“You have 129 theft offences on your record. Anyone who goes out stealing with that record can only expect one outcome.”

District Judge Pattinson sentenced Casey to 21 weeks in prison for possession of a knife in a public place, plus six weeks for theft, to be served concurrently.

Because of the custodial sentence, the judge decided not to add a separate penalty for the drug charges.

He was also given a £122 surcharge.