A TEENAGER could go to prison if he doesn’t complete unpaid work.

Joe Hurford was handed an 18-month prison sentence suspended for two years in November last year after admitting to conspiring to steal 15 motorcycles.

As part of this sentence, the 19-year-old was ordered to complete 200 hours of unpaid work, which he has failed to do.

As a result, Hurford was brought before Judge Patrick Thompson at Chester Crown Court on Monday (February 12).

While he arrived without legal representation, he did have a self-certified sick note for a 'bad belly'.

“Are you aware you could go to prison today?” Judge Thompson asked him.

“That is not a sick note. A sick note comes from a doctor. This is a form you’ve filled out.”

Letters reminding Hurford of his unpaid work requirements were sent out to him.

However, he says he has moved around various hotels in Northwich and Ellesmere Port and so did not receive them.

With his belly now 'back to normal', Judge Thompson decided to offer Hurford a chance, giving him two weeks to complete some unpaid work and find legal representation.

He said: “You’ve had a final warning, you’re in breach of an order.

“You’ve had letters telling you to complete the unpaid work. This is an order, not a request.

“If you don’t do the unpaid work you go to prison, it is an alternative to prison.

“You were previously sentenced to 18 months suspended for two years, so on the face of it you’re facing imprisonment.”

Mr Thompson added: “If I adjourn this for two weeks there is no reason for you not to do some unpaid work.

“I’m prepared to do that. The onus is on you.

“My advice to you is to go and see a solicitor and to go and tell your probation officer you’d like to do some unpaid work.”

Hurford, whose address was given as Highfield Road in Ellesmere Port, is due back in court on February 26.