VICTIMS of a 16-month campaign of tyre slashing have spoken out after the man responsible was told he did not have to pay court costs or compensation.

Darryl Baker, 24, appeared at Northallerton Magistrates' Court yesterday, where he was sentenced for 23 charges of criminal damage.

He pleaded guilty to slashing the tyres of 23 vehicles in the Ashlands Road area of Northallerton, North Yorkshire, between September 25, 2005, and January 20, this year. The damage came to a total of £3,600.

Magistrates sentenced him to a 12-month community order with a supervision requirement that directs him to attend appointments with a consultant psychologist.

He was ordered to carry out 150 hours of unpaid work and attend ten days of basic skills training.

Martin Butterworth, prosecuting, asked for £300 costs and compensation for the victims, but magistrates decided against making the order.

Chairman of the bench Malcolm Rowe told Baker: "You are of limited means and just can't pay that."

Baker, who is unemployed and claiming benefits, is also understood to have a substantial debt. He lives with his parents, in Greenhowsyke Lane, Northallerton.

One victim, who did not want to be named, said last night: "I can't believe that sentence.

"Everybody just seems to get away with things these days. This is not a deterrent to stop other people from doing the same.

"What about all the people who are out of pocket and had all that inconvenience of having to get new tyres? They aren't going to see that money again."

The court heard that Baker was arrested in the early hours of January 20.

A police constable sitting in an unmarked car watched as Baker walked down Ashlands Court, Northallerton, at 12.30am and crouched next a Ford Mondeo before walking off towards Valley Road.

The officer checked the car and found two tyres had been slashed. Baker was stopped three minutes later and was found to be in possession of two knives.

He has never given any explanation for his actions and yesterday spoke only to confirm his name, address and pleas.

Craig Beer, for Baker, said: "There is going to be a lot of work required from him in conjunction with the Probation Service.

"Hopefully, this will be a turning point for him."