A teenager was "showing off" to pals when he was caught trying to steal a motorbike in a McDonald's car park.
Lee Ormston was with a group of friends outside the West Denton branch of the fast food outlet when he tried to break the steering wheel lock of the vehicle, which was parked up. However, the 18-year-old was left red-faced when he set off an alarm, which alerted the owner inside the restaurant.
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Newcastle Magistrates' Court heard that CCTV footage clearly showed Ormston forcing and damaging the lock and he was arrested. Now, the teen, of St John's Walker, in Elswick, Newcastle, has clocked-up his first criminal conviction after he appeared in the dock to plead guilty to interfering with a motor vehicle.
Prosecutor, Lillian Yanes Hellevik, said the victim parked and secured his bike outside McDonald's on February 19 this year.
She added: "At 1.20am, the owner is alerted to his bike because his bike lock alarm had gone off. CCTV footage shows the defendant walk towards McDonald's with a group and he goes to the bike and is seen shaking the steering wheel."
The court heard that Ormston damaged the lock, which cost £200. Jack Lovell, defending, said Ormston had never been before a court and had pleaded guilty immediately.
Mr Lovell continued: "He was out with friends and got involved in a bit of peer pressure. He was, perhaps, showing off to them. The offence was captured on CCTV. It was spontaneous and he was always going to get caught out."
Fining Ormston £60 and ordering him to pay £200 compensation, chairing magistrate, Dr Vivienne Hollyoak, said: "You have got yourself in a lot bother for something very silly - you were trying it on."
