GATESHEAD EX-SOLDIER AVOIDS JAIL AFTER FLEEING TO UKRAINE DESPITE COMMUNITY ORDER
A former solider who went to fight the war in Ukraine instead of attending probation appointments has avoided jail.Michael Lee was on a community order for having child abuse images and extreme pornography which meant he had to abide by restrictions on his freedom and attend regular meetings.
But in May last year he travelled to Ukraine after completing just four out of 25 rehabilitation days.
Prosecutor Lea Levine told Newcastle Crown Court that Lee informed the authorities he was planning to volunteer in Ukraine and he did keep in touch by email.
Miss Levine said: "The probation practitioner made it clear he would still be issued with appointments and by not attending he would be placing himself in breach.
The defendant kept in touch with the probation practitioner via email while in Ukraine.
"He sent an email saying he wouldn't be attending his appointments as he was still in Ukraine.
The practitioner responded saying he was expected to attend on June 1." The court heard Lee failed to attend appointments and a warning letter was issued, followed by a breach letter.
Lee, 29, of Westminster Street, Gateshead, admitted breaching the community order by going abroad and missing appointments.
Despite missing his rehabilitation days, he did complete 120 hours unpaid work before he fled to Ukraine.
Recorder Mark McKone KC told him: "I am satisfied you made a deliberate decision to go to Ukraine, knowing you would miss probation appointments." He added: "On May 1 2024 you left the UK to travel to Ukraine and fight in the war.
You had been a solider in the UK for eight years but lost that employment as a result of the images convictions." The court heard Lee informed the probation officer that he was back in the UK after four days, one day over the three-day requirement.
Recorder McKone said: "It seems to some extent you had not taken court orders seriously." Lee was sentenced to 18 months suspended for two years with rehabilitation requirements and a three month curfew.
Recorder McKone told him: "This really is your last opportunity."
