Judge sends man to cell for 50 minutes to write apology letter

A judge has given a young man what is being dubbed as Britain’s shortest ever sentence.

Shane Jenkins, 23, was sent into police custody for just 50 minutes and told to use the time to write letters of apology for smashing in his ex’s window with a broom.

He pleaded guilty to damaging property, assaulting the two officers and escaping custody during the incident at her home in Portishead, Somerset, on May 30, this year.

In the cell, Jenkins was given a pen and paper and wrote two letters, which Judge Julian Lambert made him read out on his return to Bristol Crown Court.

The letter, addressed to his former partner, said: ‘I’m sorry for breaking your window.

‘It was a stupid decision I made, I wasn’t thinking straight. I hope you can forgive me.’

Kenneth Bell, prosecuting, said after arguing with his former girlfriend, Jenkins left her home and threatened to ‘brick the window’, before returning to carry out the act.

Police were called to the scene at 3.30am but he managed to flee officers.

In a letter to the officers, he said: ‘I’m truly sorry for my actions. I didn’t intend to cause harm, it was a spur of the moment decision.’

William Rose, defending, said: ‘He blames the decisions he made by drinking to excess and taking cocaine and cannabis.

‘He’s ashamed of his behaviour. He says he has “behaved like an idiot”.

‘He consumed alcohol to excess and substances were taken. That very much clouded his judgement, for which he is truly sorry.

‘Given the opportunity he would like to apologise to [his ex] and the officers.’

Judge Lambert also handed Jenkins a four-month jail term, suspended for two years.

He was also told to carry out 80 hours’ unpaid work and rehabilitation requirements – as well as an order not to take controlled drugs.

The judge told him: ‘You will not be a drug-hazed layabout.’