A car thief caught by police when his stolen vehicle broke down just 20 minutes after he drove off with it has been handed unpaid work.
Marek Novikovs, 20, stole the Honda Civic from outside an address on Hilton Place, Aberdeen, in the middle of the night but he didn’t get far.
The vehicle was immediately reported stolen and officers wasted no time in tracing it on Mugiemoss Road, with Novikovs still inside.
Novikovs, of Hayton Road, Aberdeen, previously pled guilty to theft of a vehicle and driving without insurance.
Sentence was deferred for reports, and now Novikovs has returned to the dock at Aberdeen Sheriff Court to learn his fate.
Defence agent Andrew Ormiston said his client wished to stay away from further offending and pursue a career in law.
‘Police observed the vehicle at 3.20am stopped on a carriageway’
He said: “It’s fair to say his recollection is limited but he recognises that, in itself, is a worrying circumstance.
“He is a young man who has perhaps a bright future before him if he doesn’t continue to tarnish it with his own behaviour.
“He is perhaps maturing and recognises he needs to step away from some of the influences that were present in his life that were contributing to some of the conduct Mr Novikovs was engaging in.”
Sheriff Morag McLaughlin told Novikovs: “Things seem to be going in a better direction for you and I really hope that that continues.”
She handed him six months of supervision, 120 hours of unpaid work and six points on his licence.
Fiscal depute Nicole Lewis previously told Aberdeen Sheriff Court the owner of the car had parked it outside their address on October 9 2020.
Thief ‘stated he had broken down’
She said: “The following morning at 3am, a neighbour was awoken by the sound of loud revving coming from the vehicle.”
When residents looked outside they noticed the vehicle was gone and contacted the police.
Ms Lewis said: “Police observed the vehicle at 3.20am stopped on a carriageway appearing to be broken down.
“Officers spoke to the accused who stated he had broken down.
“Checks confirmed he did not have insurance and, as it was reported stolen shortly prior, he was cautioned and arrested.”
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