Thief ordered to do unpaid work for stealing teenager's bike at Benedicto's restaurant, Sidbury

Jamie Purser admitted theft of a pedal cycle when he appeared at Worcester Magistrates Court on Thursday, (November 3). 

Owen Beale, prosecuting, said the victim had the bike bought for him by his mum and it was his only way of transport to make the two-mile trip to Benedicto's restaurant where he worked.

The prosecutor said, on August 31 this year, the victim had left the bike chained up outside the Sidbury restaurant. 

THEFT: Jamie Purser stole the victim's bike from Benedicto's in Sidbury, Worcester (Image: Google)

"That night, when he finished at 11pm, the chain was cut and the bike was gone," Mr Beale said.

"He was very upset 

"He couldn't afford to replace it."

The victim's mother told police the theft had hit her son "really hard", causing him real problems getting to and from work.

Mr Beale said CCTV was later used by police to identify Purser as the culprit, leading to his arrest.

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The prosecutor said the bike, which had the victim's initials carved in, was valued at £400.

Mr Beale added that Purser had previous convictions for theft, aggravating the offence. 

Omer Hussain, defending, said although Purser had not accepted his guilt in his police interview Purser had not provided misleading information, telling police he did not have a relocation of stealing the bike. 

"He told police he couldn't remember a great deal," Mr Hussain said. 

THIEF: Jamie Purser stole a teenager's bike (Image: Facebook)

"Through me, he wants to apologise to the injured party in this matter."

Jonathan Wiltshire, chairman of the magistrates bench, said because of the impact on the victim they had judged the offence serious enough for a community order. 

The 30-year-old was placed on an 18-month order requiring he completed 180 hours unpaid work and 10 rehabilitation activity requirement days. 

The chairman warned Purser if he failed to comply with the requirements of his community order he would be committing another offence, and would risk being brought back to court.

Purser, of Dent Close, Worcester and formerly of Calder Road, Worcester, was also ordered to pay compensation of £400, a victim surcharge of £114 and costs of £185. 

Purser offered to pay the total, £699, at a rate of £100 per month, an offer which was accepted by magistrates.