cycle while disqualified and without insurance.

Javonne Henries, 16, of East Lane, was remanded until July 17 for sentencing, pending completion of a social inquiry report.

In Magistrates' Court, prosecutor Sgt. Donald Grant said Police first spotted a helmetless Henries attempting to kick-start a cycle on Water Street in St.

George's on February 13, 1995.

When Police approached Henries, he drove off towards York Street in an "erratic manner'' and disappeared, Sgt. Grant said.

"Police spotted him again three days later on One Gun Alley, again trying to kick start the bike,'' said Sgt. Grant. "He ran up Featherbed Alley and a footchase ensued.'' Henries' lawyer, Mr. Carlsen Philip, said it was not theft but attempted theft. "Henries never rode the bike because it malfunctioned,'' he said. "He was pushing it.'' Senior Magistrate the Wor. Will Francis asked: "How was he able to get away when he was pushing it?'' Philip replied that the bike was locked. "It never started. It was unlocked when it was in his possession.'' Sgt. Grant said Henries told Police he hotwired the cycle, then kick-started it.

Sgt. Grant also said Henries had another similar conviction.

Mr. Philip asked for leniency for the teenager since "he was very intelligent but misled by the wrong company.'' Mr. Philip said the youth had just taken his GCSE's and wanted to work in the insurance business.

Mr. Francis said cycle owners feel a great deal of frustration and anger toward cycle thieves. "In The Royal Gazette there was a shocking list of cycles stolen just this weekend,'' Mr. Francis said. "I have to take some regard for this.'' Mr. Philip said Henries should not have to be "penalised for a situation Island-wide''.

"There should be disciplining action but he should be given a chance. He is intelligent with a bright future ahead of him,'' said Mr. Philip.

Henries was released on $500 bail with a like surety.