A TEENAGER with a passion for bikes was found with expensive stolen mountain cycles when police searched his home.

Burnley Magistrates heard how Steven Taylor had turned a blind eye to the fact the bikes had been stolen.

Taylor, who had been warned he could go to jail, kept his freedom even though the bench told him there had been a recent escalation in his criminal activity. They added he had also failed to respond to sentences imposed on him.

The defendant, of Laithe Street, Burnley, admitted two charges of handling stolen goods and one of abstracting electricity.

He was given 12 months community rehabilitation including the Think First programme, 60 hours community punishment and must observe a 90-day curfew between 9pm and 7am. He must also pay £65 costs.

Glen Smith, defending, said Taylor was not heavily convicted. He had never been to custody.

The defendant, who had lived on his own without parental guidance for a number of years, had now found himself an NVQ course in plastering which he was due to start in September.

He had a genuine interest and passion for bikes, repaired them and accepted he turned a blind eye to the fact they were stolen.