Jail term cut by third for would-be Birmingham burglar
A drug addict who was caught red-handed trying to burgle a home has had his jail term slashed by senior judges.
Mark Liddall, was jailed for 30 months at Birmingham Crown Court earlier this year.
The 42-year-old admitted the attempted burglary of a house in Bordesley Green, Lord Justice Simon told London's Appeal Court.
A neighbour spotted Liddall climbing over the fence of the property on March 24.
Police arrived and intercepted him while he was trying to break-in. He was carrying a large screwdriver and caused £300 of damage.
Liddall, of Highfield Road, Alum Rock, had a number of previous convictions for dishonesty, including burglary and attempted break-ins.
He was on licence when he committed his latest crime, the court heard.
A probation officer's report described how he was a Class A drug user who spent up to £30 a day on narcotics.
He had shown some victim empathy and acted as a carer for his partner, the report said.
Lawyers for Liddall argued his jail term was far too tough as he had not got any credit for his guilty plea.
"In our view there is merit in this point," said Lord Justice Simon, sitting with Mr Justice Green and Judge Mark Brown.
He also pointed to the crime being an attempt rather than the full offence and Liddall's partner's dependency on him.
Cutting Liddall's jail term by a third, to 20 months, the judge warned: 'It is time for him to take charge of his life and think of others."
Liddall appeared to have used his time in prison 'usefully and unselfishly', the judge added.
