A north Belfast teenager who angrily smashed up a car he tried to steal but failed to get started was spared jail yesterday.

Edward Marley (19) was given two-year probation orders for taking the Hyundai Accent without consent and inflicting criminal damage.

He was also ordered to pay the vehicle’s owner £1,000 compensation after Belfast Magistrates Court was told it was left a write-off.

Prosecutors said the windscreen and windows were smashed on the Hyundai last March. An ignition cover in the vehicle had also been removed.

Forensic examinations discovered blood belonging to Marley, of Cliftonville Avenue, Belfast.

He was later arrested and admitted trying to steal the car at a location in the city after finding it abandoned.

The court heard he could not get it started and then caused the damage in a fit of bad temper.

After studying papers in the case District Judge Fiona Bagnall said: “He’s certainly on the brink of custody.

“However, Probation do think there would be worthwhile work done with him by way of a Probation Order.”