AN UNEMPLOYED builder who turned to drink and drugs after suffering a mental breakdown funded his habit by stealing push bikes, a court has heard.
Steven Johnson, 27, of Eastgate North, in Driffield pleaded guilty to two charges of theft of a pedal cycle when he appeared at Bridlington Magistrates Court last Wednesday.
Prosecutor Victoria Mills told the court that after Amy Louise Potter had her bike, worth £50, stolen from her back garden on October 12 last year she went to Driffield Police Station to identify a bike which officers had recovered from Greenways.
CCTV footage showed the defendant, identified as Johnson, on the bike.
“He couldn’t recall the incident because he was too intoxicated. He has seen the footage and accepts he stole the bike,” Mrs Mills said.
On October 5 last year a bike, worth £120, belonging to Daniel Foley was stolen from Driffield Train Station. Once again CCTV footage showed Johnson stealing the bike.
In mitigation the court heard that Johnson had been doing well in life until he found himself homeless and unemployed.
Dave Robson, mitigating, said: “He tells me that he was doing well in life generally. He was a self employed builder and was living at his brother’s address for some time.
“His brother then moved but he couldn’t move with him so he was homeless.
“He then lost his contract as a self employed builder. He had a mental breakdown and started drinking and taking drugs. He then started to feed his habit by stealing cycles,” Mr Robson said.
Mr Robson said since then Johnson had “pulled himself around”, had found accommodation and hoped to find a job in the future.
Johnson was given a 12 month conditional discharge and must pay £120 compensation to Mr Foley for his bike which was never recovered. Johnson was also ordered to pay £40 court costs.