by Keith Hunt

A lager-drinking layabout who escaped a jail sentence after a judge hit out at bargain booze has been locked up after committing more offences.

Judge Philip Statman had branded Nicky Welfare “a walking advertisement” for those who say alcohol was available too cheaply.

He had heard how the 22-year-old sank a crate of Stella lager and two litres of cider a day while on jobseeker’s allowance of £60.40 a week.

Judge Statman demanded to know how Welfare could afford to down such a large quantity. His lawyer said the strong lager could be bought for as little as £1 a can.

Now, the same judge has been told that excessive drinking and drug-taking will result in Welfare having all of his teeth removed.

Last year the Medway Messenger reported how he let Welfare walk free with four months imprisonment suspended for two years, 200 hours community payback and a curfew after admitting criminal damage.

Maidstone Crown Court heard Welfare had since breached the order by driving while disqualified and with no insurance. He admitted the offences.

Welfare was jailed for four months after Judge Statman told him: “You may think before you come out of prison you should make contact with Alcoholics Anonymous.

For full story see tomorrow's (Friday) Medway Messenger