A NO-NONSENSE crown court Judge is warning criminals that they will be quickly brought back to court if they flout their community court orders.

The warning of tougher new rules introduced by the Home Office last week was given by Hertfordshire Judge, Michael Findlay Baker QC who operates at St Albans Crown Court where Stort Valley offenders are tried.

Mr Baker said: 'Offenders who are serving probation orders or carrying out unpaid community service work should realise that in future if they do not attend for each appointment they will find themselves back in court very quickly.

'If they miss one appointment they will get a warning card. But if they miss a second meeting with their probation officer or for community service work they will be ordered straight back to court where they will be re-sentenced for the original offence.

'This will apply in the magistrates and crown courts in Hertfordshire.'

The firm-handed QC added that the probation service was under strict new instructions from the Home Office that offenders who do not keep their appointments should be returned to court without delay.

He added: 'The courts are determined to ensure that offenders who do not comply with punishment in the community are dealt with promptly.

'Not only will this prevent individuals flouting the law but it will act as a strong deterrent to other offenders serving sentences in the community.'

Hertfordshire assistant chief probation officer, Matthew Kelly said: 'The supervision plan may be attached to attendance on a drug or alcohol treatment programme or to tackling the problems such as domestic violence, homelessness and unemployment.

'All these factors can lead people back into a life of crime. The aim is to prevent that happening, so it is crucial that offenders report for every meeting with their probation officer.'