Thaindian News

London, Aug 27 (IANS) A British policewoman who avoided to arrest a suspected burglar since she “could not be bothered” has been sentenced to a year in prison.

Constable Michele Selby confiscated tools from a man, who claimed he was fixing a Chinese restaurant’s door in the early hours of the morning. She told the manthat she knew he was trying to break in and if she did not have another call to go to he would have gone to jail, Daily Mail reported.

The job she was rushing to was delivering letters to another police station.

The suspected burglar had six previous convictions.

During a hearing at Glasgow sheriff court last month, Selby was found guilty of attempting to defeat the ends of justice.

Selby, 38, of Cumbernauld, North Lanarkshire, told the court she believed the man was fixing the door and that no crime had been committed.

Announcing the sentencing, Sheriff Richard Clark told Selby: “I recognise that the effect of this conviction is catastrophic for you. I also recognise that prior to the commission you were held in high regard in society.

“Nevertheless, having regard to the factors, I am satisfied that a custodial sentence is the only appropriate disposal in this case.”