A JUDGE has shown leniency and support for a convicted serial criminal offender in the hope that he will now honour a pledge to mend his ways and rehabilitate.

Zach McCarthy, 31, of Phillips House, Orsett, was recently featured on Thurrock Nub News following his early release from prison after being given a four years sentence for a number of offences.

At McCarthy's sentencing his defence counsel, his mother and McCarthy himself spoke passionately and emotionally about how he plans to change his ways and show the public he has turned away from crime.

A legacy of his criminality was four further offences, which he turned up to Basildon Magistrates Court to face in person today (Wednesday, 21 October). He switched his pleas of not guilty on the two most serious charges of theft, a move for which he was given credit by District Judge Christopher Williams.

McCarthy faced summary trial today after he pleaded guilty to stealing four bottles of motor oil from a BP Service Station on the A13 at Orsett on 25 September 2025. And he also admitted driving off from the same outlet without paying for diesel fuel valued at £50.40.

Judge Williams sentenced McCarthy to eight weeks imprisonment for the offences, suspended for 12 months. And McCarthy was ordered to pay £320.40 in compensation, which will be deducted from his benefits.

The judge stated that the number and nature of McCarthy's offences showed he had been habitually operating as a 'professional criminal'.

However, taking stock of McCarthy and his current life situation from information put before him, the judge said that there was now a 'realistic possibility of rehabilitation' and so he was taking a lenient course of action.

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Two motoring offences for driving without a licence or insurance, to which McCarthy continued to plead not guilty, were discontinued.

When he appeared at Crown Court earlier this month, in an emotional plea to be given a chance to restart his life, McCarthy said: "I'm deeply sorry and ashamed of the crimes I've done. All I want to do now is help people.

"I come from a good family. I know I done terrible but I was messed up on drugs.

"All I want to do now is better myself. I want to help people and I will pay back the public and victims and let them know I'm being a better person."