A MAN convicted of stealing has been ordered to do 80 hours of unpaid work - after not attending his trial because it 'slipped his mind'.
Wayne Kershaw, 33, of Sheffield Road, Barnsley, claimed the chimney pot he stole was going to be thrown out.
Philip Howard, defending, said: "Mr Kershaw believed the chimney pot had been abandoned in the garden of a house. It was in a state of disarray, but the homeowner said it was part of an ornamental display and belonged to him."
Kershaw, who appeared in custody, admitted failing to attend court and breaching a conditional discharge.
He was ordered to pay £85 in costs, compensation of £50 and a £60 victim surcharge and freed from custody.
