An Adelaide trio who stole a valuable Big Bird costume have been spared time behind bars, instead being placed on good behaviour bonds.
Cody Milne, 26, Tasman Binder, 23, and Amelia Hurt, 21, pleaded guilty to taking the large Big Bird costume, worth more than $130,000, from the Sesame Street Circus Spectacular held in Bonython Park in April 2021.
The costume was returned a short time later, with an apology note signed by "The Big Bird Bandits".
That note, found in the beak of the costume, included an apology for being "such a big 'birden'".
It said: "We had no idea what we were doing, or what our actions would cause.
"We were just having a rough time and were trying to cheer ourselves up.
"We had a great time with Mr Bird, he's a great guy, and no harm came to our friend."
Magistrate Briony Kennewell described the offence as a "foolish and immature prank" and, mindful of the impact it could have on their futures, decided to not record convictions for the trio.
She ordered the group to each enter a $500 good behaviour bond for two years, with the two men required to undertake community service.
Magistrate Kennewell said the offence was at the lower end of the scale, in comparison to other theft offences, but it still caused the director of the circus anxiety about losing the contract to hold the Sesame Street Circus Spectacular.
She said the offenders took the costume without knowledge of its value, and returned it with minor damage.
"It was an impulsive act.
"You had no intention to sell it or misappropriate it.
"You are all young people with promising futures."
The court heard the men became friends in September 2020 after Mr Binder's former partner was killed in a car crash.
The magistrate said that, at the time of offending, Mr Binder was still feeling "somewhat lost".
She noted that Ms Hurt's involvement in the crime was lesser than Mr Milne and Mr Binder's as she "tagged along" and helped them put the costume in the car.
The magistrate the court if the offenders were to breach their good behaviour bond, they would be sent back to court for re-sentencing and could expect convictions.
