Wayne Durrance (31) hired the scooter in February from Derbyshire Rural Community Council, which runs a grant-aided Wheels to Work scheme to help people attend work, training or education.

Prosecutor Helen Griffiths told Chesterfield magistrates on Wednesday: "He signed a contract for it and was supposed to return it at the end of May but he sold it during April, saying he had lost the log book.

The scooter subsequently changed hands again –– swapped for a motorcycle at an auto-parts jumble sale –– and the theft came to light when an attempt was made to register it with the DVLA.

Mrs Griffiths said it was returned to the rural community council, leaving previous buyer Kevin Lowther £265 out of pocket.

Durrance, of Shuttlewood Road, was quizzed by police and said he had not sold the Basix Jet 50 scooter, worth £1100.

He said he had only loaned it to a man for £150 and intended to return it to the rural community council in due course.

Durrance admitted theft between 15th-23rd and was given an 18-month probation supervision order, with £60 costs. He must also pay £265 compensation to Mr Lowther,

The court was told he had previous convictions for shoplifting and being drunk in charge of a vehicle in the past two years.
Said Steve Brint, in mitigation: "His record isn't something to be proud of. It is littered with offences relating to addiction to chemical substances and alcohol.

"His alcohol consumption has reduced and he is now a father. He wants help to become a law-abiding citizen for the sake of his partner and child."