A MAN has been found guilty of taking a motorbike and damaging a house in Hereford.

Tyrone Ellis, 22, caused damage of an unknown value to a home in Hereford on December 8 last year. Just over a month later, on January 10, he took a Lex Moto motorcycle without the owner's consent.

The defendant had not entered a plea and did not attend court at his hearing last month, and was found guilty by magistrates in his absence.

Despite not showing up at court, he was represented by defence solicitor Marilena Divitantonio.

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Prosecuting solicitor Lauren Millichip said Ellis, of Coldstone Cross, Kingstone, had no lawful excuse for damaging the Hereford home, and had not been given consent or legal authority to take the bike.

He was handed a 12-month community order with up to 15 days of rehabilitation activities.

He also has to pay a £200 fine and court prosecution costs of £85.