TV talent show rioter could be spared jail

A Britain's Got Talent semi-finalist who looted a £150 stereo during the London riots may be spared jail, after making an "eloquent" written apology to a court.

Reece Davis-James, 18, who took part in the TV show this year with dance troupe Abyss, pleaded guilty to burglary after he was caught by police running from Argos in Catford.

Davis-James, of Catford, was among a 100-strong group who attacked the store last month. He expected to be jailed at Highbury Corner magistrates' court but district judge Ian Baker sent the case to Wood Green crown court, saying: "After reading the letter it may be right to consider a suspended sentence.

"He very eloquently talks about the tragedy that has befallen himself and many other young people... caught up in the heat of the moment."

Outside court, Davis-James offered to give free dance classes to atone.

"I'm sorry and I have learned from my mistake," he said. Let me teach dance for free, which I'm already doing at my old school. If I go down, it will have a huge impact on my career."

The Court of Appeal will rule next week on the fairness of riot sentencing.