Rocky start to a new life as gardener admits theft

The 21-year-old from the Thingley caravan site in Corsham appeared at Chippenham Magistrates' Court last Thursday where he pleaded guilty to stealing the motorcycle and driving with no insurance.

He also pleaded guilty to a third charge of driving without a licence.

Prosecutor Michelle Hewitt told the court that Peter May, the owner of the cycle, had been using the machine to travel to work from Chippenham to Melksham.

After it broke down, Mr May left it in a lay-by at Beanacre, hoping it would be safe.

But on March 24, Johnstone spotted the bike and loaded it onto his Ford Transit van.

Police officers decided his activity was suspicious and followed him.

The defendant realised he was being followed and after arriving at the Thingley site, hid in a caravan.

There he was arrested and admitted stealing the motorcycle, and having neither a driving license nor insurance.

The prosecutor also told the court Johnstone had broken a conditional discharge imposed last August.

Tim Hammick, defending, said his client had moved from Lancashire to Corsham intending to make a fresh start and put his past behind him.

Johnstone worked as a gardener and his partner was expecting a baby, added Mr Hammick.

Regarding the defendant's actions, Mr Hammick said: "It was a piece of opportunist villainy. It was a good piece of policing and he was cooperative with the police."

Mr Hammick added that the motorcycle owner had not suffered inconvenience because the vehicle had been returned to him.

Mike Leighfield, chairman of the magistrates, said: "After moving down to start a new life, you have not started very well. The motorcycle was locked and not abandoned. You tried to evade the police and broke a conditional discharge."

Mr Leighfield adjourned the case until May 17 at 1.45pm at Chippenham Magistrates' Court to allow a probation service report to make on Johnstone.

The defendant was granted unconditional bail.