Somercotes thief spotted driving with stolen wheels

Chesterfield magistrates’ court heard how Liam Mellor, 20, of Leamoor Avenue, Somercotes, stole the wheels valued at £160 and caused £200 of damage to the victim’s car.

Prosecuting solicitor Rod Chapman told the Tuesday, January 26 court hearing: “The complainant fitted alloy wheels to his car and parked it on Shaw Street, in Riddings, in a car park and when he returned to the vehicle the wheels and wheel nuts had gone and his vehicle was left on bricks with damage to its underside.

“The following day, he got information that his wheels were being driven around on a Vauxhall Corsa and he went to the address of this vehicle and reported it to police and officers arrived the next day and arrested Mellor.”

The defendant admitted the offence to police and said he had seen the wheels and just wanted them.

Mellor pleaded guilty to stealing the wheels after the incident on October 22, last year.

Defence solicitor Annette Thomas told the hearing: “He made full admissions and said it was stupid.

“He said he liked the look of the wheels and the wheels were taken off his car and returned to the complainant who did not live too far away.

“It was stupid mistake that never should have happened.”

Magistrates described Mellor’s actions as “sheer greed” and adjourned the case to consider probation reports before sentencing on January 28.

Mellor was sentenced to a 12 month community order with a Thinking Skills Programme, a Rehabilitation Activity Requirement and 120 hours of unpaid work.

He must also pay £200 compensation, a £60 victim surcharge and £85 costs.