Burglar told to go away by judge.

A JUDGE sent a dozy burglar off with nothing more than a flea in his ear as he said: "Go away. Life's too short."

Judge Michael Taylor decided not to bother passing any sentence on burglar Michael Davies because his latest crime was so minor and so old.

Davies, 21, breached his community order by over-sleeping and missing an appointment to do community work - a year and a half ago.

Prosecutor Victoria Lamballe explained why the case took so long to get to Teesside Crown Court.

There was a warrant out for Davies' arrest for 11 months, then he stood trial and was convicted by Teesside magistrates' for other matters.

The justices then blundered by acting beyond their powers.

Peter Wishlade, defending, said he had difficulty understanding the case.

He said: "It appears he's appearing for sleeping in on February 15, 2008, which is 18 months ago."

The exasperated judge suddenly interrupted and called an abrupt halt to the proceedings, telling the defendant: "Go away. Life's too short."

Barristers and solicitors were heard giggling as they left the court of Judge Taylor, who has earned a reputation for administering swift, no-nonsense justice in Teesside.

Davies, of Laurel Avenue, Thornaby, was given his community order with 12 months' supervision and 120 hours' unpaid work in July 2007 as punishment for a burglary.

He since had more work and conditions added to the order for breaching it.