A YOUNG man who was caught sawing through steel girders in a private compound has appeared before magistrates.

Eafol Price was discovered in the former Barford Depot site in Barnard Castle shortly before 9am on June 1.

The 22-year-old, of Greenway Road, Cardiff, pleaded guilty to theft by finding at Newton Aycliffe Magistrates Court on Thursday.

Magistrates heard he planned to sell the girders as scrap for £50, although the owner valued them at £600.

James Fenny, mitigating, said Price had paid money to a person he believed owned the girders and had himself been duped.

“He recognises he was wrong and has pleaded guilty at the earliest opportunity,” Mr Fenny added.

Price was given a 12-month conditional discharge and was ordered to pay £85 costs and a £20 victim surcharge.