A FATHER who stole two bikes in the same week has been ordered to pay hundreds of pounds in compensation to his victims.

Lee Barrett, aged 35, of Longton Grove in Weston, admitted stealing bikes to the value £380 and £77.

The court heard how he stole them in order to travel to his ‘distressed’ son and ex-partner, who was receiving treatment in hospital.

The first incident, on June 5, occurred at Bristol Temple Meads station, where Barrett stole a Diamond Back bicycle worth £77 belonging to Alina Siwak.

A week later in Weston on June 12 he took Ashley Futcher’s bike, which was worth £380.

Barrett, who suffers from schizophrenia, appeared at North Somerset Courthouse on Monday where he pleaded guilty to two counts of theft and one for failing to surrender to police bail at Bridgwater Police Station.

Sally Halliwell, mitigating, asked the court to veer away from imposing a curfew, as it would restrict Barrett’s access to his young son.

She said: “Mr Barrett’s son was at the hospital with his ex-partner. His ex-partner had a suspected broken foot. She had taken his son to the hospital with her and called him to go and take care of his son.

“His son was distressed; he had seen his mother in a lot of pain.”

She added: “He accepts he took the bike – it was impulsive.”

Barrett was handed an 18-month conditional discharge and ordered to pay £380 compensation to Mr Futcher, £77 in compensation to Ms Siwak, £85 costs and a £150 court charge, as well as a £15 victim surcharge.