Dumper truck thief in court over damage

A man stole a nine-tonne dumper truck and drove it around Powys villages, damaging road signs and fences that stood in his way, a court heard.

Elliot Alexander Curley admitted theft of the vehicle at Welshpool magistrates.

The 20-year-old, of no fixed address, was remanded in custody yesterday for sentence at Mold Crown Court on September 4.

Margaret Roberts, prosecuting, said that on April 13 a dumper truck was taken from a construction site at Llanrhaeadr Primary School.

The truck, with Curley at the wheel, was taken down the B4580 to Llangedwyn, destroying a number of fences, hedges and road signs on the way.

Police were alerted after a number of people called them after seeing the dumper truck careering along the roads.

The police found the truck, with Curley in it, stuck in a ditch later that morning. He was arrested and taken for questioning, where he admitted driving the truck and causing some of the damage.

Miss Roberts said that the damage amounted to £9,000.

James Cameron, for Curley, said his client was currently serving time in prison for an offence that happened after the dumper truck incident. He said Curley had made full and frank admissions and was willing to face his problems now and make something of his life.

Chair of the bench, Mrs Anne Tudor, said she felt the court did not have sufficient sentencing powers and would commit the case to crown court.