Motorbikes theft teen was carrying BB gun
AN “EASILY LED” teenager has been spared jail after stealing two motorbikes while armed with an imitation gun.
The boy, 17, was found carrying the BB gun after taking the bikes from an outhouse in Ormskirk with another offender.
The Tarleton teenager, who cannot be named for legal reasons, pleaded guilty to burglary and possession of an imitation firearm at Preston Youth Court this week.
The other boy involved, who also cannot be named, had earlier been given a police caution for his role.
Outlining the case, Catherine Allen said that Alan Wright was at his Ormskirk home on January 20 and became concerned when he could not see his horses on his field.
When he went outside, he noticed that the lock on his outhouse had been broken and the motorbikes stolen.
Mr Wright followed tracks to locate the boys and the defendant then revealed where the bikes were.
Defending, Michael Leach said the boy, who has one previous conviction for aggravated vehicle taking and failing to stop after an accident, had been “cajoled” into carrying out the burglary by the other boy who subsequently received less punishment.
He said: “[The other boy] had intended to commit the offence two or three weeks earlier but had been thwarted. He’s then talked [the defendant] into joining him.
“The carrying of the gun is not connected with the burglary offence.
“The defendant has made it clear that his codefendant asked him if he would take it along. He would not have used it and never would use it.”
Mr Leach added that the defendant had ‘legitimate’ reasoning for owning the BB gun and had previously been given an award for his volunteer work.The conviction would ruin his prospects in his chosen career.
Speaking directly to the magistrates, the boy apologised for his actions and revealed he had only met the other boy one week earlier. He explained that the two began spending time together when his other friends started taking drugs and he had no desire to do.
The boy was described as “easily-led” and “genuinely remorseful” during sentencing and was issued with a 12 month youth rehabilitation order and made to carry out 91 days of extended activity requirements.
He was also given a curfew, ordering him to stay home between 8pm and 7am for three months and must pay £256 compensation.