OUTSIDE the court yesterday, Shortman told the Argus he was "shocked" when he discovered he was facing fresh charges.

He said: "These offences were committed earlier in the year and should have been dealt with before."

Asked what his reaction was to be facing the prospect of having to serve another term in custody, he replied: "I have got a wife and an eight-month-old son and I'm hoping I am not going back to prison. I just want to settle down."

In August we reported how the former high roller was in a young offenders' institution in Ashfield, near Bristol. He then pledged: "I have learned my lesson".

He said during a 'Lads and Dads' day how the clang of the prison gates had a salutary effect on him and how he vowed to stay on the straight and narrow.

Shortman, who got married in August, spoke of his regret at not being able to spend time with his baby son while he was serving his sentence.

He said: "I have learned my lesson. I have calmed down altogether since then and just want to get a job and a place of my own and settle down." Referring to not breaking the law again and returning into custody, he said: "I will not be coming back here."