A MAN caught fencing stolen goods has been given a final chance to comply with his community order.

Marc Slade was ordered to do 150 hours of unpaid work in August by a judge at Swindon Crown Court of handling stolen goods.

But the 35-year-old was back before the same judge less than three months later after he failed to attend community service sessions.

Slade, of The Slades, Calne, admitted breaching the terms of his community order.

Richard Williams, for Slade, said his client had a sick note covering a period from August 15 up to mid-November. Despite that, he had attended some appointments but not others – and probation officers were unaware of the sick note when they launched court proceedings.

His client was said to have been trying to get his life back on track and was reducing his prescription for heroin substitute methadone.

“The reality is he knows he did it and I have told him so this morning,” Mr Williams said.

Judge Jason Taylor QC allowed the community order to continue but marked the breach with a 30 day curfew.

“I gave you a chance in August and I’m not impressed that you are back here so soon having not complied with the order,” Judge Taylor said.

“I understand you want to stay off class A drugs and I commend that.

“If you come before me again – and it will be before me – you are going to go to prison. This is your last opportunity.”