A CHRISTLETON man stole a bicycle from two teenagers as he tried to avoid breaking a curfew.
Chester Magistrates Court last Friday heard Patrick McLoughlin, 20, of Woodfield, took the £600 pedal cycle from one of the two 15-year-olds on the night of September 25 in Marlston Avenue, Lache Park.
Prosecuting, Rob Youds said the defendant approached the two teenagers before grabbing the handlebars of the bike.
He added: “He then rode off with it and when police arrived at his address the following morning, the defendant admitted the theft and said he was waiting for the police to find him.
“He said he was drunk and thought (stealing the bike) would be the quickest way back to the hostel he was staying at as he had an existing community order.”
Defending, Richard Thomas said: “McLouglin has pleaded guilty at the first opportunity and was remorseful when he realised what he had done was a stupid thing to do.
“He accepted he was drunk and realised it was close to the curfew time. Ironically he did not make it back before the curfew in any case.
“This was something rash without thinking of what would happen next.”
Magistrates handed McLoughlin an additional 90 hours of community service to the 96 he had remaining from a previous sentence. McLoughlin must also pay £85 prosecution costs.
