Teenager who helped steal motorbike in Kingswood is taken into custody

A teenager admitted to stealing a motorcycle and handling a stolen motorcycle. And now he’s starting 24 weeks in custody.

Harvey Mitchell was allegedly with a stranger who stole a motorcycle. Police then found Mitchell driving another stolen machine.

The 19-year-old, from Hawkins Crescent to Bradley Stoke, pleaded guilty to theft and receiving stolen goods. He appeared for sentencing at Bristol Crown Court.

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Judge Jason Taylor QC jailed him for 24 weeks. He told Mitchell: “You have an appalling record for someone so young, but you have the support of a loving family that you will need upon your release.”

Neil Treharne, prosecuting, said a Yamaha YZF-R3 worth £3,295 was stolen from Kingswood on April 28. When police spotted Mitchell at the machine, he told them he had bought it for £600 and suspected it had been stolen.

The court heard police suspected Mitchell was with a man who stole a £1,000 Lexmoto motorbike from Kingswood on May 9. Mitchell later acknowledged that he had acted as a lookout in the robbery.

Caitlin Evans, defending, urged the judge to give as short a sentence as possible. She said that in the past, Mitchell had been exploited by an organized crime group but showed a willingness to reform.

Miss Evans said: “He has the drive and the drive to rehabilitate. He’s only 19 and capable of change.”

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