A Pudsey man stole a £12,000 Team Sky bike from a shop because he believed he was one of the favourites to win the Tour de France, a court heard.

Bradford and Keighley Magistrates' Court was today told that Patrick Chapman admitted taking the bike from a Paul Smith clothes store in Leeds where it was on display.

The theft happened last Friday - the day after the Grand Départ opening ceremony in Leeds and the day before the race got under way.

The court was told that Chapman, 37, of Lowtown, Pudsey, had mental health problems and was under the care of a psychiatrist.

Sajid Majeed, mitigating, said Chapman had attended court in Leeds on the same day as the theft and had become confused after he left.

"He was thinking various things," said Mr Majeed. "He thought the country had been invaded and was trying to fight people off on behalf of his country."

Mr Majeed said Chapman then thought it was the Tour de France, and added: "He was of the view he was a main person in the Tour de France, who was a leading runner in the race.

"He saw the bike and because he thought he was a favourite in the Tour de France, he took it."

Chapman rode the bike but hid it in a bush when he saw police, said Mr Majeed, who added: "Ten minutes later he returned and it was gone."

It was also said that Chapman was unaware of the bike's value.

Chapman also pleaded guilty to a charge of possession of cannabis. Magistrates ordered that Chapman should be sentenced at Leeds Magistrates' Court tomorrow because he faces other charges.