A YOUTH who stole a car has been given a community punishment.

Brian Irlan, representing William Alison Connelly, 20, said he was now growing up.

Connelly, of Every Street, Brierfield, had admitted being carried in a vehicle taken without consent on April 5, at Burnley Magistrates Court.

He was given 100 hours community punishment.

The defendant, who had offended while on prison licence, was told if he had not pleaded guilty he might have ended up back behind bars. Connelly must also pay £50 costs.

The court was told police saw the stolen Ford Fiesta with four males in it in Nelson. It was stopped and was found to have a smashed back window and steering column.

All four were arrested and when questioned, Connelly said he did not steal the car and wasn't aware it had been stolen.