Teenager’s trip to Chester on bike-stealing mission

Dec 18 2008 by Allison Dickinson, Chester Chronicle

AN 18-YEAR-old man has been given a 12-month community order after he attempted to steal a bike.

John Howarth, of Carlisle Avenue, Bootle, appeared at Chester Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, December 16 where he was sentenced for his part in an attempted theft on October 9.

He and another man travelled into Chester armed with bolt croppers with the intention of stealing a bike from the city centre.

District Judge Nicholas Sanders said it was “unacceptable behaviour” and sentenced him to a 12-month community order with a supervision requirement. He also has to attend a 10-week basic skills course. He had already spent two weeks in custody.

His co-defendant, James Jackson, 19, was dealt with at an earlier hearing and received an 18-month community order, also with a supervision requirement.