A HOLIDAYMAKER has been sentenced after he was caught stealing a £5,000 ‘water bike’ from Windermere.
Carl Shire pleaded guilty at the first opportunity to theft – other – including theft by finding at South Cumbria Magistrates’ Court.
Prosecutor Lee Dacre said the 40-year-old committed the offence on August 11 earlier this year.
“The complainant was looking for his bike when he stopped to speak with the defendant who was driving a white van,” Mr Dacre outlined.
“He hoped the defendant would be able to give him some information. The defendant drove off and the victim became suspicious.
“He took his registration plate, and officers stopped him on the A590.
“Police recovered the water bike and some other parts.”
The court heard Shire, of Lee Rane, Royston, had 18 previous convictions for 29 offences.
He was represented in court by solicitor Shaun Harkin.
“This was opportunistic,” Mr Harkin told magistrates.
“He was on holiday in the Lake District and saw the bike on Windermere. He thought it was abandoned. It was not his to take and acted dishonestly.
“He is a carer for his elderly parents. He has a three-month-old son. He provides support to the mother of his child.”
Shire was fined £120 and ordered to pay £85 in court costs and a £48 victim surcharge.
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