A SURVIVOR of childhood cancer who ended up in trouble with the law has been given a second chance by a judge in Tamworth.
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Inverell's William Latter received a liver transplant at just four years old and is well-known in the community for his success in lawn bowls at the Australian Transplant Games.
Latter faced Judge Jeffery McClennan in Tamworth District Court. The 19-year-old man was appealing a four-month sentence for larceny and a number of breaches of bail.
Judge McLennan took the opportunity to talk to Latter about his motives for law-breaking.
"Can you tell me why you're doing this at this point in your life, do you think if you had some better friends you wouldn't?" he asked.
"Real friends don't get people into trouble."
Legal Aid solicitor Wendy McAuliffe said she understood the issues with her client continuing to breach court orders. Latter was sentenced in Inverell in October to four months' imprisonment for stealing the key to a Toyota Prado, with the intention of stealing the vehicle.
On the face of it, the sentence appeared extraordinary for the crime, Judge McLennan said. But, Latter had already breached four CCOs and an Intensive Corrections Order.
"One can understand the learned magistrate felt the learned magistrate had run out of ideas," he said.
"I can't do anything about the fact that at least until February 12 you are going to be in prison.
"Why don't you think about the people you play lawn bowls with as being your friends; I take it the people you are playing lawn bowls with aren't breaking into houses?"
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Latter's larceny appeal was allowed, in substitute for his four-month sentence he was placed on a CCO for two months, which will expire in February, when the parole board reviews his matter.
Judge McClennan took no action on the bail breaches and ordered Latter to attend all GP appointments; follow medical advice; and not be away from Elsmore between 6pm and 6am upon release.