A BRAVE passer-by chased a burglar through city streets at night before cornering him, a court heard.

Callum Turnbull, 18, broke into a woman’s north York home as she slept and stole her jewellery, bank cards and other belongings, prosecutor Rob Galley told York Crown Court.

But as he cycled away on the woman’s bicycle while simultaneously steering his own bike with one hand, he aroused the suspicions of passer-by Michael Clancy.

Judge Andrew Stubbs QC said: “Without any thought for his personal safety, he chased him through the streets of York.”

He ordered that Mr Clancy receive a £250 reward for his public spirited actions.

Turnbull, of no fixed address, pleaded guilty to burglary and to vandalising his mother’s front door after he was bailed by police.

He was given a 12-month prison sentence, suspended for two years on condition he does 200 hours’ unpaid work and 30 days’ rehabilitative activities.

Mr Galley said Mr Clancy had been on his way home from a night out when he saw Turnbull at 3.40am.

Turnbull dropped the woman’s jewellery box as Mr Clancy chased him shouting at him.

Outside a hostel in Shipton Road, Turnbull abandoned the bicycles, climbed a fence and hid in bushes. Mr Clancy kept watch until police arrived and pointed him out to them.

Turnbull had gloves and other equipment for burglary on him as well as the woman’s property.

She was unaware of the burglary on July 2 until police returned her bike at 4.45am.

Turnbull was bailed to his mother’s address, but when he was released and went there, she wouldn’t let him in and he kicked the door open.

For Turnbull, Steve Munro said he was immature and had had no money because his benefits had been stopped.

So he staged the burglary to get items to sell. It was his first time before the courts.

Turnbull wanted to go to college to get a catering or a mechanic’s qualification.

Mr Munro said Turnbull’s mother was in court for the hearing.