A DRUNK 16-year-old was arrested in his pyjamas after he stole his father’s £5,500 Chrysler family car and then torched it.
The Elton youth went on a two mile joy ride before setting the car alight and then told the fire service and police that he and an accomplice had been kidnapped in Ellesmere Port earlier that night.
Mairead Neeson, prosecuting, said: “On Saturday, December 6, 2008, at about 2am, the defendant’s father was in bed when he was woken by the noise of car alarm.
“He heard the sound of two car doors closing, followed by the sound of an engine starting. Looking out of the window he saw the Chrysler Voyager moving out of the drive way. He ran out in an attempt to stop it but the vehicle had gone.”
The fire service had spoken to both the boys after being called out to reports of a burned out car on Manley Lane, Manley.
“Both of them said they had been kidnapped in Ellesmere Port earlier that night and asked if they could have a lift home,” Ms Neeson added.
The defendant pleaded guilty to theft and was given an extended 18 month supervision order at Chester Magistrates Court.
The court could not order the youth to pay compensation or costs because he had no income and his parents, the victims, would have to pay the fee.
Mark Evans, defending, said: “He comes from a good family and he is very ashamed. He had been going through a bit of a bad patch and things were strained at home. He had too much to drink and the other male called around the house and they decided to go and find a party, it seemed like a good idea at the time.
“He was too drunk to do very much and when he was arrested he still had his pyjamas on. He said he is as responsible as his friend because he allowed it to happen.”
The second youth was given a final warning by police.
The defendant was also charged with drink driving, driving without insurance and without a licence but the prosecution offered no evidence and they were dismissed.
