A 23-year-old was found rummaging around in an MoT centre looking for a spare part for his car, Skipton magistrates heard.

A police officer heard noises coming from Craven MoT Centre as he patrolled Engine Shed Lane, Skipton, at around 2.20am on July 7.

The court heard when questioned by the officer, Andrew Lowe admitted he had no right to be there.

Lowe, who pleaded guilty to being in an enclosed yard with the intention to steal a £50 vehicle strut, had been living in his car since separating from his partner, the court heard.

He wanted to get the car roadworthy to take his son to hospital for a check-up.

He was currently on a community order for a driving offence and had 19 hours’ unpaid work left to do.

Magistrates sentenced Lowe, of High Bank, Threshfield, to a 12-month community order with 40 hours’ unpaid work and costs of £85.