A LIFELONG criminal who stole from a school and poses a “high risk of re-offending” has avoided prison because he has been diagnosed with HIV and has a terminally ill mother.

William Wiseman, 40, had denied stealing lead from a window at Dormer House School in Moreton-in-Marsh and attempting to steal lead from four businesses in the village - Miss Teapots, The Toy Shop, Rhoman and D Salon – as well as two homes, Bee Cottage and Dereham Cottage.

Wiseman, of North Circular Road in Neasden, London, claimed the man seen stealing lead or trying to do so was not him, but was found guilty after trial in September.

Gloucester Crown Court heard today that Wiseman committed the offences on February 17 this year while on police bail for receiving a stolen Volvo car in Harrow.

Judge Michael Harington said he had intended to impose an immediate jail term on Wiseman because of his “atrocious record” of 93 previous offences.

But the judge said he had reconsidered in view of Wiseman's recent HIV positive diagnosis and the fact that his mother has lung cancer and is not expected to live beyond Christmas.

Edward James, defending, told the judge today "He has a long record of criminality and he accepts that is bound to trouble the court. He is heavily convicted and he accepts fully that his record is a matter of some shame. He is also assessed as posing a high risk of re-offending.

"But that does not take into account some changes in his personal circumstances. During his time in prison on remand he was the victim of an assault. As a result of the medical treatment he then received blood tests were made and it was discovered he was HIV positive.

"That, understandably, is a matter of great of concern, to him. That was some two to three months ago and treatment is now beginning. He is anxious that treatment is not interrupted because it is potentially a life threatening condition. It is something which has made him reflect on his lifestyle and his behaviour in the past.

"In addition to that, his mother has been diagnosed as suffering with terminal cancer. She has lung cancer and it has spread to other organs and the skeletal system. It is incurable. She has been told if she lasts ‘til Christmas she will be lucky."

Describing Wiseman as a “habitual and almost compulsive criminal”, the judge said that in view of his medical condition and his mother's he felt it right to not pass an immediate sentence.

Judge Harington sentenced Wiseman to a total of 15 months in prison, suspended for two years, with nine months of that for the Moreton offences and six for receiving the stolen Volvo.

He was also sentenced to two years supervision and 12-month home curfew from 8pm to 7am. The judge further ordered him to attend a 25 day thinking skills programme.