A HONITON man who burgled a barber s shop owned by Alan Rowe MBE has avoided jail. James Collingwood David Trower, 29, admitted stealing hairdressing products and equipment, as well as a charity box, to the value of �947 from Alan Rowe Barbering.

A HONITON man who burgled a barber's shop owned by Alan Rowe MBE has avoided jail.

James Collingwood David Trower, 29, admitted stealing hairdressing products and equipment, as well as a charity box, to the value of �947 from Alan Rowe Barbering.

The court heard how his partner called the police after she became suspicious when he came home with the goods on October 2 of last year.

Prosecuting, Karen Ball said Trower initially told police he found the goods in the alleyway and planned to sell them for drugs.

He later admitted the burglary when blood found on the premises was traced back to him.

He smashed windows causing in excess of �100 worth of damage and Central Devon Magistrates' Court ordered him to pay Mr Rowe �100 in compensation.

In mitigation, Peter Woodley said Trower had continued to use heroin and commit crimes in the past despite a Drug Rehabilitation Requirement (DRR) order.

But, he said, Trower had received a 'jolt' when his partner handed him in and was now determined to stay clean.

He said: "In the past his partner has told him off for using drugs but she always had him back and things stayed exactly how they were.

"But she called police knowing he would get arrested and knowing he could go to prison - it's the jolt, I think, he needs."

He said Trower had been given a prescription for methadone and was now visiting ENDAS - Exeter, East and Mid Devon addictions team.

Mr Woodley added: "He knows, if he messes up this time, he will lose absolutely everything, which is why he is desperate not to go to prison."

Chairman of the bench Paul Farmer said: "You have a record, which shows that your life is blighted by your addiction to heroin.

"You say you care for your family, but you have a funny way of showing it from time to time."

Trower was given a 16 week prison sentence, suspended for 12 months.

The sentence was reduced from 24 weeks, because of his early guilty plea.

He was ordered to carry out a supervision requirement and a DRR for six months, meeting regularly with a probation and drug officer.

Trower, of Marwood Place, told the Herald his days of crime were over.

He said: "I'm happy I didn't have to leave my children and go to prison.

"It has been a fresh start since I got caught and my girlfriend kicked me out.

"I have been behaving myself since and I have no intention of losing my partner or children, which is exactly what will happen if I use drugs of commit crime again.