A WINCHESTER man has avoided a prison sentence despite a string of shoplifting offences and an assault.

Aston Darch, 25, of Hyde Gate, Hyde, was close to being jailed but magistrates have instead imposed a suspended sentence.

Darch admitted assault causing actual bodily harm in Aldershot on October 24 2022, a count of shoplifting meat valued at £144 from Iceland in Farnborough on October 21 2023.

He also pleaded guilty to four thefts from Winchester stores including a £59.99 Charlie Mingus CD boxt set from HMV in the Brooks Centre on July 26 last year. Also targeted was M&S and the Co-op.

The court record stated: "The custodial sentence has been suspended because the court accepts that Darch has taken steps himself to stabilise his accommodation and reduce his offending. There are also mental health issues."

The court that Darch has not cooperated over the preparation of a pre-sentence report: "Darch has been given opportunities to attend interviews for a report but has failed to do so - it is accepted that this is as a result of his mental health issues".

The record said that some sort of custodial sentence was justified as there had been a "series of offending and a nasty assault on someone who is performing a public service".

He was jailed for 24 weeks but the sentence was suspended for 12 months.

Darch was ordered to pay £150 to Christopher Powell, the victim of the assault and a total of £210 to various shops.