by Keith Hunt

A junkie who burgled his own mother has walked free after a judge heard he was making attempts to beat his addiction.

Recorder Simon Taylor QC said he was imposing a sentence that would enable Kuldeep Singh’s release “somewhat against my better judgement”.

Singh’s mother Sarinder Kaur Mandher had changed the locks at her home in 30Brandon Street, Gravesend, before he broke in on May 19 last year.

He demanded money from his mother but she managed to run out of the house and call the police.

By the time officers arrived, Singh had fled. He had rummaged through the house but nothing seemed to be missing.

A few days later, however, Mrs Mandher could not find her bank book and discovered that £265 had been withdrawn.

When arrested, Singh, 26, claimed he was allowed into the house to change his clothes.

Prosecutor Andrew Newton told Maidstone Crown Court said the victim’s bank had compensated her but a damaged door cost £600 to replace.

Singh, of Parrock Street, Gravesend, admitted burglary. He denied robbing his mother and the charge was left on file.

He was sentenced to six months imprisonment, which had been served on remand.

Recorder Taylor told him: “I can imagine this course of conduct was very frightening and distressing for your mother.

“It must have been a matter of very great concern to her that her son thought it right to break into her house, causing substantial damage to the door.”

The judge said he was concerned whether Singh was getting on top his drug problem, as he had not been able to provide proof of drug counselling.

“Ordinarily, I would wish to look into this matter more and see what the state of your drug problem is, and see whether a sentence might be imposed that would give the public an assurance your problems are being dealt with,” he continued.

“That seems to be key to your future. However, my hands are virtually tied by the fact you have already served 183 days on remand.”

Singh was ordered to pay his mother £300 compensation at the rate of £10 a fortnight.

Surinder Gohlan, defending, said Singh resorted to drugs after his father died. He had since attended a drugs centre and reduced his methadone use.

He was remanded in custody for six months before being released on bail with a curfew in November.

“He would like to pay his mother back,” said Mr Gohlan. “He is desperate to go to India to go on a pilgrimage in his Sikh faith.

“He feels he has let his family down in the past years. He wants to deal with it and move on with his life.”