A TEENAGER has appeared in court after stealing from a town centre store.
African Mikias Tekeste, of Buxton House in New Street, was before Kirklees magistrates yesterday.
He admitted stealing a wallet worth £17 from TK Maxx.
The 19-year-old also admitted failing to attend his original court date.
Alex Bozman, prosecuting, said that the theft from the Kingsgate Centre store took place on November 9.
He said that Tekeste picked up the wallet, which was in a presentation box, and place it in his back pocket. He walked out of the store without paying.
He was challenged by staff and the wallet was recovered and police were called.
He was arrested on a warrant for not attending court and appeared in custody.
Magistrates were told that the Huddersfield Technical College student had been living in the country for three years. He claimed that he failed to attend court because he had got his dates mixed up.
He was fined £90 and ordered to pay £85 costs and £20 victim surcharge.
