A refuse man employed by Craven District Council stole scrap metal to sell on, Skipton magistrates were told.

Frederick Smith, 22, of Greenroyd Mills, Sutton, discussed with a fellow worker taking metal axles from a wheelie bin at the council’s Engine Shed Lane depot, the court heard on Friday. Smith told the other man he would give him half of what he got for the axles, but he dismissed Smith’s suggestion.

Smith admitted theft by finding on September 19, on the grounds he had found the axles in Engine Shed Lane and not at the depot, although he did accept they belonged to the council.

In mitigation, Ruth Weir said Smith, who had sold the axles for £13.20, told police he had found the metal parts in Engine Shed Lane, but knew he should not have taken them.

Smith was fined £70 and ordered to pay £85 costs and a £15 victims surcharge. He was also ordered to pay £13.20 compensation to the council.