A man who cashed his father's cheques and obtained £1,665 to feed his drug habit has been jailed.

Magistrates heard that Michael Burrows, of Collingwood Road, Clacton, presented a cheque for £275 at a bank in Colchester.

But the cashier was suspicious of his signature. When he could not provide identification, police were called.

Craig Levin, prosecuting, said Burrows had taken a blank cheque from his father's book and dishonestly attempted to obtain the money on October 29.

The court heard he had matters taken into account where he had cashed cheques totalling £1,665.

Burrows appeared at court to be resentenced, as he was unable to comply with the 18-month drugs treatment and testing order.

Lucy Osborne, mitigating, said it was not a flagrant disregard for the original court order, which saw Burrows back before the court.

Miss Osborne said: "There were a number of incidents where Mr Burrows cashed cheques belonging to his father to support a very heavy drug habit."

She said he feels genuine remorse and he is rebuilding his relationships and taking steps to get help.

Colchester magistrates yesterday told Burrows he had substantially abused trust and sentenced him to three months in prison.

They imposed an additional seven days for failing to surrender to custody on May 19

Published Tuesday August 17, 2004

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