A Warwick Academy student escaped a conviction after he admitted stealing helmets and cash to buy tickets to an after-prom party.

Senior Magistrate Archibald Warner gave Kristopher Trott, 17, an absolute discharge, saying the theft was a foolish choice from an intelligent student.

Crown counsel Robert Welling told Magistrates' Court that on May 21, three students had left their belongings in a common area at Warwick Academy, but when they returned they noticed that two motorcycle helmets and $95 in cash had been taken.

After being told of the theft, school officials checked security camera footage, which showed Trott taking the items.

When questioned by Police, Trott admitted stealing the cash and helmets, and said he was going to sell the helmets so he could buy tickets for an after-prom party.

Joined in court by his father, Trott admitted that the theft was a huge mistake.

"I didn't want to ask my parents for money," he said. "I saw an opportunity and I wasn't thinking, so I took it. Usually I have a job, but I stopped working so I could study for my exams."

Mr. Warner warned the student, who is going to start college in Canada next month, that he must be careful not to throw away his future.

"We never have enough money," Mr. Warner said. "That doesn't give you the right to steal what you want. I could understand if you wanted money for food, but you have everything you need, including a glorious future.

"For so many years, your peers have said they haven't had opportunities, but you can't say that. Why would you want to ruin everything that's been given to you?"

Mr. Warner gave Trott an absolute discharge, which means that no conviction will be recorded against him.

He told the teenager: "I hope you have been listening to me, and this was just a case of inexplicable stupidity.

"I hope this humiliation is enough for you to really understand what you did, and I hope this lesson serves you in the future."