Arsonist makes return to court after stealing bike

Louis Harrington wrote to the owner of the bike saying he was "sorry", but was ordered to pay compensation to the victim.

The 24-year-old, of Cole Hill, Worcester, admitted theft of a pedal cycle when he appeared at Worcester Magistrates Court on Thursday.

Elizabeth Blacklock, prosecuting, told magistrates the offence had occurred on March 23 this year.

"The complainant states he was visiting a friend in Angel Place with his girlfriend at around 3pm," the prosecutor said.

"He secured their bicycles with special bike security on railings, and used a bike lock to secure both bikes together.

"That evening they realised that both bikes were not where they left them.

"One of the bikes was left round the corner, but Marso Ribeiro's bike was missing.

"He says he was so upset his friend had to call the police to report it."

The prosecutor explained the couple's bikes were their main form of transport and Mr Ribeiro was forced to use his girlfriend's bike to get to work.

"She couldn't go to work, and as a result she lost her job," Miss Blacklock said.

The prosecutor said Harrington wrote a letter in June to the victim that said: "Sorry I took your bike, I don't do this anymore.

"PS I went through a bout of psychosis and needed medication for it."

She added previous convictions included shoplifting in 2016, while the most recent offending was possession of an offensive weapon in January 2018.

When the paper reported on that case Harrington was also in court for committing arson on a reckless basis. Magistrates heard them how Harrington tried to set fire to a toilet roll holder in the Flag public house in Lowesmoor, because he was "bored". Harrington was given a 16 month prison sentence suspended for two years on that occasion.

In his latest court appearance, Harrington represented himself and chairman of the magistrates bench, Trevor Higginbotham, asked if there was anything he wanted to say.

Harrington shook his head before replying "no".

When asked if probation could assist, probation service representative Jayne Stewart said: "He is previously known, he complied with that what was required of him.

"I note there are significant mental health issues. I would encourage you not to involve probation again."

His mother, who had accompanied Harrington and sat at the back of court, was then asked by the chairman if she had any information which might be of help to them.

The woman replied: "Only what my son wants me to say, which is nothing."

Harrington was fined £120, and ordered to pay compensation of £60 - the cost of the bike, - to the victim.

He was also told to pay the victim surcharge of £34, and costs of £185.

The total, £399, was ordered by magistrates to be deducted from his benefits at a rate of £20 per month.

READ MORE: "Bored" arsonist tried to set fire to toilet roll holder at Flag pub, Lowesmoor, Worcester