NEIGHBOURS and farm workers acted to stop two men stealing a farmer’s Land Rover, a court heard yesterday (Wednesday, October 15).

One farm worker smashed the driver’s side window to stop them getting away whilst others tried to block their path before eventually detaining the thieves.

Stephen Paul Liam Jackson together with John-Liam Jardine stole the 4x4, belonging to a 79-year-old farmer on Monday, September 8.

They were spotted acting suspiciously by a neighbour who used binoculars to follow their movements across the farm in Frosterley, Weardale, where they found the Land Rover with the keys in the ignition.

Jackson and Jardine appeared jointly charged at Newton Aycliffe Magistrates Court and pleaded guilty to theft of a motor vehicle.

Sarah Traynor, prosecuting, said: “The men were followed until they stopped in a field and were detained by members of the public until they were arrested.

“The vehicle was damaged when it clipped a farm house wall and will cost £1,050 to repair.

“The men refused to explain how they ended up in the area and said they did not know the victim and took the vehicle in order to get home.”

The victim said in a statement that nobody had any right to take or damage the vehicle.

John Robinson, chairman of the bench, threatened to hold Jardine, 19, for contempt of court after he refused to stop interrupting proceedings.

Jardine, of Proudfoot Drive, Bishop Auckland, later apologised for his behaviour and said he was frustrated.

He was sentenced to 18 weeks in prison, suspended for 12 months and ordered to pay £50 compensation.

Jackson, 23, of Butterknowle, near Bishop Auckland pleaded guilty to theft, driving without insurance and a valid licence and criminal damage.

He also interrupted court proceedings by repeatedly speaking to those in the public gallery.

Mr Robinson said custody was the only option for Jackson and sentenced him to six months in prison, and ordered him to pay £50 compensation.

His provisional driving license was also endorsed with eight penalty points.