Victim out of pocket

Mr Robert Page has cycled to work since his revamped Ford Orion was taken from outside his home in Raymond's Close, Abbots Langley, at about 4am on May 11.

The unemployed 17-year-old who crashed the car at the bottom of the road after taking it joyriding was ordered to pay a £75 fine for taking a vehicle without consent. He has not started making payments.

An estimated 60 per cent of fines issued by the Watford court are never paid, according to a criminal justice system employee, who did not wish to be named.

The worker said fines in such cases make the whole system pointless and suggested community service or even a prison sentence for repeat offenders would be more appropriate.

Mr Page spent more than £1,000 on the car, which he bought six months ago for his wife, after fitting new parts including an engine, brakes, exhaust and tyres.

Budget car insurance have offered him just £500 compensation for the vehicle, which was written off by the vandal.

The Watford Council employee said: "It was a smack in the mouth to be told my car had been stolen. I was gutted and really shocked.

"The police asked if I wanted the youth to dig up my garden but I don't want him near my house.

"He was charged with taking without consent but it should have been aggravated taking without consent - he wrote my car off.

"I think the fine should be more or it should be something that's going to hurt, maybe he should do Help the Aged or have a curfew.

"Otherwise, he is laughing. I am the loser here.

"Cycling to work is hard going, especially if it is pouring with rain.

"In the meantime, we will have to make do with my wife's old car."

Mr Page is still paying off the cost of the car's engine on his credit card.

A spokesman for the court refused to comment on the case but suggested Mr Page should write in to the court to complain if he was unhappy with the sentence.

June 27, 2002 17:00