Public stepped in to apprehend car thief

Teenager stole and crashed car in Onchan

A court’s heard members of the public apprehended a teenage boy who stole a car and crashed it in a community centre car park.

The 16-year-old, who’s too young to be legally identified, appeared before magistrates at Douglas Courthouse.

Prosecutor Roger Kane said the teenager had stolen a black Ford Fiesta in Berrywoods Grove and on 14 May was spotted performing dangerous manoeuvres outside Onchan Community Centre.

Members of the public stepped in when he lost control and slammed the vehicle into railings.

The boy ran off, along with another passenger, leaving a 20-year-old woman in the back seat.

But bystanders who’d contacted police recognised the boy when he returned to the scene and held him until officers arrived.

Magistrates bailed the teenager on the condition he lives at his home address and observes a 9pm to 7am curfew.

He’ll appear before a juvenile court for sentencing on 24 July.