Mandurah childcare worker fined for theft of moped

A MANDURAH childcare worker was fined $1500 in Mandurah Magistrates Court today relating to the theft of a moped in May.

Brendon Hill (19) pleaded guilty to stealing a motor vehicle, but claimed a friend left the Kia moped in his garage.

The police prosecutor told the court the bike was stolen from Mandurah train station on May 29.

It was partially stripped for parts and $1600 worth of damage was caused to the bike.

Hill’s fingerprints was found on the moped.

Magistrate Robert Young had doubts that the moped actually belonged to Hill’s friend.

“I’m cynical by nature, but it’s the oldest trick in the book to say a friend brought it over,” he said.

“You hang out with dodgy mates who bring bikes to your house and start stripping them and won’t name them; you bear the brunt of the fine.”

Magistrate Young described it as a serious offence.

“It is an easy target; offenders know there’s a lot of vehicles parked at train stations,” he said.

“More people are choosing this mode of transport.

“You need to make better choices who you hang out with or develop the strength to stand up to your friends.

“I understand why you don’t want to name names but it’s not to your credit.”

He fined Hill $1500 and ordered him to pay costs of $188.