A CROWN court warrant has been issued to arrest a 21-year-old man who failed to turn up to be sentenced for his role in a string of vehicle offences.

Michael Craggs, of Sedburgh Close, Thorpe Edge, Bradford, should have answered his bail, along with his two co-accused who were dealt with for offences relating to a stolen builder's van containing £1,000 of tools and outdoor clothing.

The Recorder of Bradford, Judge Jonathan Durham Hall QC, issued the warrant at the request of prosecutor Clare Walsh.

Declan Aldridge, 20, of Fagley Road, Bradford, and Aiden Hogan, 22, of Higher Coach Road, Baildon, were sentenced in the absence of Craggs.

Aldridge, who had earlier pleaded guilty to being carried in a stolen Vivaro van and stealing two motor scooters, was given a 12-month community order with a rehabilitation activity requirement.

Hogan, who had previously admitted a single offence of dishonestly handling the stolen van, was sentenced to nine months imprisonment, suspended for 12 months, with 150 hours of unpaid work.

Mrs Walsh said the Vivaro van, containing high value equipment, was stolen in Leeds on May 10, 2016.

Eight days later, it was seen with false registration plates in Otley Road, Baildon, and recovered the following day near Hogan's home.

While it was missing, Aldridge and an accomplice used it to transport two scooters stolen from Ilkley on May 18.

One was discovered hidden in undergrowth in Baildon.

The court heard that the scooters, one valued at £4,500, were taken within 45 minutes of each other.

In mitigation, Hogan's solicitor advocate, Tahir Hanif, said he had learned his lesson.

He was a qualified plumber looking for work and would not be offending again.

Jeremy Hill Baker, Aldridge's barrister, said his client attended court on crutches after suffering a very serious leg injury.

He was a teenager when he committed the offences, which dated back more than 18 months.