A DEALER in reclaimed goods admitted a theft charge yesterday.

Sean Devaney, 41, pleaded guilty to stealing dressed stone, worth £135, from a building site.

James Littlehales, in mitagation, told Harrogate magistrates the admission was so he could get his transit van back from police who seized it on July 10.

The court heard Devaney, of Boroughbridge Road, Knaresborough, had been unable to work without the van and could not support his family.

Caroline Midgley, prosecuting, said Devaney had entered a secure compound in Haverkill Lane, Scotton, near Knaresborough, where Harrogate company C K Batchelor was building two detached houses. He spent 20 minutes loading the stone into his van and then drove off.

Mr Littlehales said Devaney had been given permission to take the stone by a building company employee, who had also given him the combination of a lock to allow him access to the site.

Devaney was fined £250 with £70 costs.