A man who stole a police car at the weekend after drinking was remanded in custody for reports yesterday.

Ross Parsons, 47, took the patrol car after officers carrying out a routine check at the Spinning Wheel bar on Court Street, Hamilton, left the car parked with the keys still inside the vehicle.

The shocked officers reported the car stolen after the returned to the parking spot and found the car missing.

Cameras in the area were checked and CCTV operators reported that Parsons, of no fixed address, had been caught on camera getting into the car and driving away.

The abandoned car was later found on nearby Elliot Street with the keys missing.

Police traced Parsons to outside the Spinning Wheel and arrested him with the keys still on him.

The incident happened in the early hours of Sunday morning.

Parsons admitted theft of the car and its keys, as well as drink-driving. He also pleaded guilty to a separate incident of driving without a licence on the same day.

Magistrate Maxanne Anderson fined Parsons $200, to be paid by May 29.

She also referred Parsons to the DUI Court and adjourned the case until June 10.

A police spokesman said yesterday that officers were required to “secure vehicles and property at all times”.

He added that the officers involved had received a written warning and notice of mandatory training as a result.

The spokesman said: “We are grateful that little actual harm occurred but recognise the serious consequences that could have arisen.”

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