A MAN who was spotted trying to get into unlocked cars in Skipton has been given a community order with unpaid work by magistrates.

Jason Greenwood, 43, was seen by members of the public at just before 3am on January 10 in Russell Street apparently trying to open a car door, the Skipton court heard today.

The police were called, and shortly afterwards, officers saw him in Westmoreland Street appearing to be trying the door of a parked car, before seemingly trying to hide from the officers., the court was told.

Greenwood, of Whinny Gill Road, admitted interfering with a car with the intention of theft. In mitigation, Keith Blackwell said Greenwood had a long term heroin addiction that he was now getting under control with methadone. He said at the time, Greenwood was looking for items to steal to sell on for money to buy drugs.

Greenwood was given a 12 month community order with up to 20 rehabilitation requirement activity days and 80 hours unpaid work. He will also have to pay a £85 surcharge.