AN angry mother has hit out after the thief who stole her son's motocross bike was caught by police but the machine was not recovered.

Joanne Carless was delighted when she heard the youth had admitted stealing her son's bike - which was a Christmas present - but was devastated with the news it was still missing.

Joshua Bunney, four, was heartbroken when the £650 Yamaha 50cc was taken from his grandmother's home.

At Guisborough Magistrates' Court last week, a 17-year-old admitted stealing the bike.

He also admitted riding the bike on a road while disqualified and having no insurance.

He was sentenced to a two-year community rehabilitation order and given a 12-month driving ban.

Miss Carless, of Guisborough, said: "I can't believe this person has not had the decency to tell the police where the bike is. If someone bought it off him they must know it was stolen. We just want it back.

"We intend to continue looking for it - the bike belongs to us.

"Joshua is desperate to get it back and learn to ride it properly. He was heartbroken when it was stolen."

Cleveland Police are searching for the bike and appealing for information.

Anyone who can help is asked to call Redcar police on (01642) 302626, Miss Carless on 07837 426144 or Joshua's father, Paul Bunney, on 07759 515995.