Teenager stole JCB

A teenager stole a £36,000 tractor and drove it down the A143 after he was coerced into taking the vehicle, a court heard yesterday.Matthew Barley was stopped by police on the JCB tractor at the entrance to Fritton Woods, near Yarmouth, after he stole it from a building site in Bradwell.

A teenager stole a £36,000 tractor and drove it down the A143 after he was coerced into taking the vehicle, a court heard yesterday.

Matthew Barley was stopped by police on the JCB tractor at the entrance to Fritton Woods, near Yarmouth, after he stole it from a building site in Bradwell.

Barley was warned that he faced custody or a lengthy community sentence after he admitted stealing the tractor on April 12 and driving it while he was disqualified.

Yarmouth magistrates court heard that Barley, 19, of Kittiwake Close, Lowestoft, had only taken the vehicle from the Cornfields building compound in Bradwell because he and his girlfriend had been threatened.

Gary Mayle, prosecuting, said Barley managed to get two miles before police pulled him over.

Mr Mayle said that Barley co-operated with officers straightaway.

The court heard that no damage was caused to the tractor or the building site during the theft.

Barley will be sentenced on May 20.

He also pleaded guilty at yesterday's hearing to driving without a licence and insurance.