‘Ridiculous’ Rainworth man drove off in someone else’s car after finding key in the street

Richard Stirland unlocked a white Masda and drove off before collecting some friends on March 29, said prosecutor Lucy Woodcock.

But he was confronted by the vehicle's owner's partner at the end of Thoresby Road.

The court heard he has two previous convictions for four offences “of some age”.

Stirland told magistrates: "I just had too much to drink and it was a ridiculous thing to do. It was just stupid."

The 39-year-old, of Southwell Road East, Rainworth, admitted taking a vehicle without the owner's consent, and driving without a licence or insurance, when he appeared at Mansfield Magistrates Court, on Tuesday.

He received a 12-month community order with 60 hours of unpaid work. He was fined £350 with a £140 surcharge and £85 costs. His licence was endorsed with six points.