A MAN was sentenced for stealing a bike from outside a dental surgery in Westcliff.

Darren Sutherland pleaded guilty to taking the bike, worth £430, from outside the surgery, in Crowstone Road, Westcliff, on June 13.

The court heard the victim, who had left the bike locked up while he went into the surgery, gave chase, but couldn’t catch the 46-year-old thief.

Sutherland, of Ditton Court Road, Westcliff, said he had taken the bike to visit his 78-year-old mother in Eastwood. He apologised to the victim and said the bike had subsequently been stolen from him when he left it outside a shop in Fairfax Drive, Westcliff.

Magistrates ordered him to pay £430 compensation to the victim, as well as a £60 victim surcharge. He was also given a 12-month supervision order and must undergo alcohol treatment for six months.