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A drunk joker who snatched a mobility scooter from outside a Gateshead pub told a court it was "karma" that he broke his own ankle two-days-later.

Matthew Dale took the disability vehicle from outside the Bay Horse Inn, in Felling, while its owner was socialising with friends inside.

But, when the police were called after the pensioner discovered the scooter was missing, officers didn't have to look far as they found the 32-year-old struggling to push it nearby.

Dale, who appeared at South Tyneside Magistrates' Court with a cast on his leg and using crutches after breaking his ankle, pleaded guilty to one count of taking a vehicle without the owner's consent and was fined £80.

Jeff Taylor, prosecuting, said the scooter's owner parked it up at a bus stop at the Bay Horse Inn, near Split Crow Road, at around 8pm on December 9 last year.

(Image: Newcastle Chronicle)

He socialised with friends inside the bar until one of them noticed his vehicle was missing just over three-hours-later.

Mr Taylor added: "The owner flagged down a passing police car. In fact, it seems someone else must have already called them because they were aware of the theft.

"The police took the owner home first but, on the way, they saw the defendant not driving the scooter but dragging it along the street."

Dale, of Gifford Street, Gateshead, was arrested and admitted taking the scooter during interview.

Peter Farrier, defending, said Dale, who has nine past convictions for 11 offences, was drunk at the time and thought it was a "jolly jape".

He added: "Two days later, he was in Newcastle City Centre and he was out socialising and he fell over and broke his ankle and he's put that down to karma.

"He could be right. His leg is in plaster now for the next six to eight weeks. He apologises. It was a daft thing to do."

As well as the fine, Dale was ordered to pay £85 costs and a £32 victim surcharge