TWO teenagers stole a moped before dumping it when they were spotted by police.

Christian John Wright, 19, of John Street, Chirk, along with a 17-year-old who cannot be named as he is a juvenile, took the moped from a house in Coed Efa, New Broughton, on May 14.

The victim noticed it was gone when he got up to go to work at about 4am. 

He reported it to police and Wright, along with the 17-year-old, were later seen riding it near the Wheatsheaf pub in Gwersyllt.

Both were wearing dark clothing and Wright was wearing a cap, while the younger man, thought to be the driver, had a t-shirt pulled up to obscure his face.

When they were spotted by police, they abandoned the vehicle and fled the scene.

The number plate had been removed and there was damage to the rear brake.

Appearing before Wrexham Magistrates Court, Wright pleaded guilty to aggravated vehicle taking.

The 17-year-old pleaded guilty to aggravated vehicle taking and a separate matter of theft from a shop. 

His case was adjourned to be heard at Wrexham Youth Court on June 6.

Andy Holliday, defending Wright, said the damage to the moped had been caused because the pair jumped off when they were spotted by police.

Probation officer Pamela Roberts told the court: “Mr Wright recognises that such behaviour is not acceptable and it appears to have been on impulse – an opportunistic offence.

“He is looking for employment. There are no issues with drugs and alcohol.

“There is starting to be an emerging pattern of behaviour and he recognises that if he keeps coming back to court it is going to get worse for him.

“He is assessed as a low risk of re-offending. He appears recognise the consequences – not only for himself but for the victim.

“He does not have any need for rehabilitation at this time and his mother is also of the opinion that he would benefit from a curfew.”

Wright was disqualified from driving for a year and was handed a community order of 12 weeks which included a 7pm to 7am curfew.

He was also ordered to pay costs of £85, compensation of £150 and a victim surcharge of £85.