A CROOK who handled two quad bikes worth £5,000 and drove off in his friend’s van was given a chance by a judge - but was warned it was his only one.
Mark Ellis, who had no insurance or licence, last went to jail in 2007 and his offending since had been less serious, Burnley Crown Court heard.
Ellis (35), of Clitheroe Road, Brierfield, admitted handling stolen goods, taking a vehicle without authority, driving with no licence and and driving with no insurance. He was given 52 weeks in custody, suspended for two years, with 100 hours unpaid work.
Judge Beverley Lunt told him he would not get a second chance. She said: “Without people who handle stolen goods, burglars and thieves would be out of business.”