Men from Herne Bay caught in Whitstable with socks

TWO men have appeared in court charged with going equipped to burgle - with a pair of socks.

David Burnill, 24, of Claremont Street, Herne Bay, and a 17-year-old, who cannot be named for legal reasons, both admitted going equipped for theft and handling stolen goods at Canterbury magistrates court last Wednesday.

Julie Farbrace, prosecuting, said police stopped the pair who were riding bicycles in Whitstable at 8.50pm on February 21.

She said: "Officers saw they had no lights on their bikes and were concerned for their safety. When they approached them, Burnill was seen to discard a screwdriver from his sleeve.

"He said it was to fix his bike chain."

The pair were searched and police found a pair of socks and an allen key.

They were arrested and officers searched Burnill's home where they found a blue mountain bike, reported stolen by Mark Brown.

Miss Farbrace added: "Burnill laughed and said if he was out to steal something he would need a torch.

"He said he bought the bike from a friend the week before but would not say who. He said he knew it wasn't stolen."

The case was adjourned for a pre-sentence reports and the pair were released on unconditional bail.

The teenager was later given a six-month community rehabilitation order and ordered to pay £40 court costs on Tuesday.

Burnill is due back in court on Wednesday May 6.