A THIEF who stole a laptop from the boot of a car has been given a curfew and community order.

Elliot Williams, of St Wulstans Close, Evesham, broke into a Mitsubishi 4x4 parked in the town at 4.30am on August 31 this year.

The 21-year-old admitted charges of theft and vehicle interference when he appeared at Worcester Magistrates Court.

David Devine, prosecuting, said Mr Williams didn't stay at the scene long, after the car alarm went off.

Mr Devine said the car window was slightly ajar and the defendant left a finger print at the scene.

"The lady in question who owns the vehicle hadn't locked the door but it was taken from the boot," he said.

"He said no comment to all questions asked when questioned by the police."

Jo Outhwaite, defending, said: "This is not a situation where Mr Williams was acting alone, I suspect.

"He was with others when then offences were committed. I have no doubt there was an element of peer pressure.

"As is often the case with a group of three, there's peer pressure.

"He said there is no other explanation other than being utterly foolish."

She said the defendant's record was not enviable and noted a phase of committing similar offences in 2012-2013.

"For the last three years he has kept himself out of trouble. He has been utterly foolish in this example," Ms Outhwaite said.

Magistrates handed Williams a 12-month community order and imposed a four-week curfew, between 8pm and 8am.

The laptop has been recovered and the court asked for £220 in total costs.