Suspended sentence for Belfast man who stole health workers bicycle

A Belfast man who had been temporarily housed in Derry has been given a suspended sentence at the local Magistrate's Court today for stealing a health worker's bicycle.

William Hinton (39) of no fixed abode admitted charges of stealing the bike and criminal damage to it on November 29.

The court heard that police were on patrol in Great James Street area and saw the defendant pushing a red bike with a flowered saddle bag.

They stopped Hinton and noticed that a bicycle lock which had been broken was still attached to the back wheel. 

Hinton admitted the bike belonged to someone else and said he was intending to leave it in the street. 

The court heard that the bike belonged to a health worker. 

Defence solicitor Paddy MacDermott said that his client had made full admissions and intended to go back to Belfast if released. 

He described the offence as 'opportunistic' and accepted that this had been 'distressing' for the health worker who was doing a valuable job.

Deputy District Judge Laura Ivers said the offences were aggravated because Hinton had a record for dishonesty. 

Hinton was sentenced to six months in prison suspended two years and ordered to pay £200 in restitution.