Judge uses power not to activate jail term       Â

Judge William Ashworth used his powers of discretion at Portsmouth Crown Court by not enforcing guidelines that usually would have seen Havant-based Scott Rapley incarcerated for his crimes.

The defendant admitted damaging Ali's kebab shop in Commercial Road causing the owner to lose out on a day of trade. 

While on bail Rapley, 20, then lashed out at a car for no reason, leaving it damaged.

'˜It has been an extraordinary turnaround in your lifestyle with you working hard and getting a promotion and ending the destructive cycle you were in.

'˜It would be unjust to activate your sentence,' judge Ashworth said.

Instead Rapley, of Cedar Gardens, was given a community order of 12 months, 120 hours unpaid work, told to pay compensation to his victims of £872, as well as being told to pay £340 costs and £200 fine.