A STING operation devised by two councils helped catch a man selling bikes stolen from a school.

Callum Diack, 25, of York Road, Southend, was handed a 15 month suspended prison sentence at Southend Crown Court today after admitting handling bicycles stolen from Hamstel Junior School in November.

A fleet of 21 bicycles were stolen from the school just 24 hours after they were delivered as part of the Bikeability scheme to teach school children essential road safety and cycling proficiency skills.

However, Southend and Thurrock councils’ joint Counter Fraud and Investigation Directorate quickly deployed specially trained investigators which found the bikes being sold on the internet by Diack under a pseudonym – even witnessing him selling two of the bikes to a member of the public.

When sentencing Diack, Recorder Martyn Royall said: “It was a mean theft, as children have been deprived from completing essential road safety and cycle proficiency training.”

Southend Council leader Ron Woodley said: “We are pleased that our joint Counter Fraud and Investigation Directorate has achieved such a positive result.

“This shows the benefits of partnership working and sharing expertise between the two authorities.

“However, the whereabouts of the remaining stolen bicycles are still unknown, so anyone with information is urged to contact the Counter Fraud and Investigation Directorate on 03000 999 111.

“All information will be treated in the strictest confidence.”

Diack was also ordered to pay £250 costs, along with a £100 victim surcharge, and was given a 7pm-7am curfew order for three months.