A man with a rare anti-social disorder has been freed from jail after apologising for a foul mouth for making a foul mouthed rant at a Judge.
William Donnelly went berserk in the dock at Exeter Crown Court when he was remanded in custody last month and shouted a stream of foul mouthed abuse at Judge Francis Gilbert, QC.
He was furious because the Judge had refused to give him bail while a probation officer prepared a pre-sentence report.
He grabbed the microphone inside the dock and shouted insults for several minutes as extra custody officers were drafted in to drag him away into the cells.
Donnelly suffers from a rare anti-social disorder which makes him agitated when confined in enclosed spaces with other people.
He was freed after writing a letter to the Judge apologising for his behaviour.
Donnelly admitted receiving valuable personal belongings including wartime medals taken in a burglary on the empty home of ex police officer who had died a few weeks before.
The house in Newton Abbot was set on fire after the raid on Boxing Day last year and Donnelly was found with medals and an Omega Seamaster watch at a nearby house.
He was subject of a suspended sentence at the time after being caught drug dealing last year.
Donnelly, aged 26, of Tamworth Close, Ogwell, Newton Abbot, admitted handling stolen goods and was jailed for eight months, suspended for two years by Judge Francis Gilbert, QC, at Exeter Crown Court.
The Judge told him:"This was a serious offence. It has been said on many occasions that if there were no handlers, there would be no burglars.
"I make it clear I accept your apology for what happened in court last time. Your letter shows a good deal of courage and good sense.
"I am suspending this sentence because at the time you committed this offence you did not have any previous history of dishonesty and the property was recovered.
"You have also spent a month in custody and that has given you time to think about the consequences of your actions. You would be wise to keep out of trouble in the future."
Miss Janice Eagles, prosecuting, said police caught Donnelly with property taken from the empty home of recently deceased Gilbert Vickery two days after they had been stolen.
The medals, a watch, and a pair of binoculars were all taken from a display cabinet at his home in Rundle Road , Newton Abbot in the Boxing Day burglary.
The house was set alight by the intruder before they left and fire crews from Newton Abbot and Torquay were called out to bring the blaze under control.
Donnelly claimed he had nothing to do with the burglary and had bought them in good faith for £60 from a friend.
Miss Eagles said:"Whoever carried out the burglary set fire to the house and caused significant damage. The defendant was arrested two days later in connection with thefts from motor vehicles.
"His home was searched and police recovered the items which included war and police medals, binoculars, and an Omega Seamaster watch. The defendant was known to be at a house nearby on the evening of the burglary.
"We say this was a serious offence because the burglary was of items of sentimental value belonging to a deceased person."
Miss Anne Bellchambers, defending, said Donnelly has always insisted he did not carry out the burglary and bought them for £60 without knowing where they came from.
She said he should be given credit for admitting his involvement and his willingness to turn his life around.
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