Peak District chef who stole boss’s car is given a community order

Marcus Forrest was arrested after a colleague recognised his voice on a Snapchat video he sent of the vehicle being driven, High Peak Magistrates’ Court heard.

Police were called on January 11 after the Smart Car was found damaged in a field. Owner Judith Dyer, of the Charles Cotton Hotel in Hartington, had not given anyone permission to drive her vehicle. Forrest, who had been a chef at the hotel, said he couldn’t explain his actions. As he was driving in Buxton, he got a puncture so drove the car through a metal gate and fence into a field, where he abandoned it.

The 22-year-old, of Springfield Avenue, Chesterfield, admitted aggravated vehicle taking, driving without a licence and using a car without third party insurance.

He was given a community order with supervision, 200 hours unpaid work and must attend a thinking skills programme. He must also pay £350 compensation to the owner of the gate, £85 costs and a £60 surcharge. He was banned from driving for 12 months.