A MAN stole a cheque which had been sent to someone else to reclaim money he was owed by the victim, a court has heard.

Kieron Lee Wynn appeared for sentencing at Newton Aycliffe Magistrates’ Court in County Durham having previously admitted theft.

Prosecutor Joanne Hesse said Wynn had moved into a house which had previously been home to another man.

She said a gyro-cheque for £106.34 arrived in the post intended for the former inhabitant, but Wynn , 20, of Church Lane in Ferryhill, took it to the bank with a utility bill to cash it in himself on May 4.

In a statement read to the court by Ms Hesse, the victim said not receiving the money had left him penniless and unable to buy food or heating at his new home.

Ms Hesse said the victim is yet to receive any of the money originally intended for him.

In police interview Wynn told officers he took the cheque because the victim owed him money.

Wynn also admitted driving without insurance or a licence after officers spotted him riding a pit bike on Grassmere Road in Ferryhill on May 7.

Ms Hesse said he initially denied he was riding it but he was identified by police as he was not wearing a helmet.

Laura Moorby in mitigation said Wynn took the cheque because he was in urgent need of money as he had leant the man cash and not received any back.

Magistrates gave Wynn a community order for 12 months with 12 months supervision and ordered him to pay £50 compensation.