AN Ellesmere Port man who stole a bicycle parked outside a barbershop then sold it at an exchange store – providing his personal details.

Kane Eaton, 20, of Princes Road, pleaded guilty to the theft of a pedal cycle when he appeared at Chester Magistrates Court on Monday, January 11.

He was told to pay £125 compensation.

Prosecuting, Elle Battle-Kennedy said it was at 1.30pm on September 16 last year when theft victim Cameron Rose was in a barbershop when he saw a man in dark clothing take the bicycle he had parked outside.

Mr Rose posted on Facebook about the theft and appealed for information, and learned it had been taken to the CGX store in Marina Walk. He spoke to the store attendant and found the bike had a price tag of £125, and Eaton had provided his personal details.

The bicycle was returned to the owner.

In police interview, Eaton said he had a cannabis addiction and had stolen the bicycle to fund his habit.

Police had offered an out-of-court disposal order, but Eaton had not made contact with police and so the matter proceeded to court.

Defending, Stephen Ferns said Eaton had made full and frank admissions in police interview, and the defendant said he had not received any correspondence from the police, then receiving his post late.

Eaton had been able to sort matters out by getting back into employment, he had paid off all his debts, and he had reduced his cannabis intake dramatically, which had helped him mentally.

He was now in a cycle where he could get himself sorted, the court heard.

District Judge Nicholas Sanders said he was minded to fine Eaton, until he had heard Mr Ferns tell of how the defendant was taking steps to turn his life around.

Eaton was handed a 12-month conditional discharge and ordered to pay £125 compensation, plus £85 court costs and a £22 victim surcharge.