Bob
14th February 2009, 10:59
When Mark Machae stole a motorcycle in Worcester, his attempts to escape were foiled… when the bike broke down!
Machae, 35, had arranged a test ride of the £1,200 Kawasaki that he found on Ebay. He handed over an envelope which he claimed held the full value, but when the seller opened it, he found a single photocopied £20 note.
As Machie tried to ride away, the bike broke down. In his panic to escape, a rucksack containing baseball cap was left behind. Stuck to the cap was a strand of hair, from which forensics experts were able to identify Machae.
Machae – who told a court he tried to steal the bike as “he wanted to join a bike gang” - was sentenced to four months in prison, suspended that for two years, and ordered to pay £300 compensation.
Machae, 35, had arranged a test ride of the £1,200 Kawasaki that he found on Ebay. He handed over an envelope which he claimed held the full value, but when the seller opened it, he found a single photocopied £20 note.
As Machie tried to ride away, the bike broke down. In his panic to escape, a rucksack containing baseball cap was left behind. Stuck to the cap was a strand of hair, from which forensics experts were able to identify Machae.
Machae – who told a court he tried to steal the bike as “he wanted to join a bike gang” - was sentenced to four months in prison, suspended that for two years, and ordered to pay £300 compensation.