A STUDENT who claimed he could not remember stealing from a car has been sentenced in court.

Robert Salmon’s fingerprints were found inside a Renault and a Skoda parked in Bishop Auckland on June 28, Newton Aycliffe Magistrates’ Court heard today (Thursday, September 25).

A car stereo fascia and CDs had been stolen from the Skoda and CCTV footage showed Salmon getting inside both cars and moving them backwards a short distance.

The 18-year-old admitted theft and interfering with a vehicle, but claimed he could not remember the incidents.

Mitigating, Sam Brewster said: “It has been quite difficult to get to the bottom of this.

“It seems he genuinely has no recollection of the incidents whatsoever.

“He accepts the fingerprints are evidence.

“Occasionally he does have a drink; all he can think is he has had alcohol and done this while he was under the influence.”

Mr Brewster added that Salmon was studying for a sports diploma and had ambitions to pursue a career in physiotherapy or coaching.

Presiding magistrate Barbara Carter told Salmon it was “ridiculous” that he had found himself before the court for the first time and would now have a criminal history for his actions.

She added: “For all you say you can’t remember it, you did enter those vehicles and it’s a good job you couldn’t start them.”

Salmon, of Butterwick Court, Newton Aycliffe, was given a 12-month conditional discharge and ordered to pay £180 in compensation and court charges.