Girls Stole Wheelchairs From Ely Cathedral As A ""Prank

TWO wheelchairs were stolen from Ely Cathedral during a childish prank played by a group of teenage girls in the city. The youngsters pushed each other out of the medieval building and through the city streets, before abandoning the wheelchairs in a res

TWO wheelchairs were stolen from Ely Cathedral during a "childish prank" played by a group of teenage girls in the city.

The youngsters pushed each other out of the medieval building and through the city streets, before abandoning the wheelchairs in a residential area.

A 15-year-old girl involved in the offence appeared before city youth court on Thursday, when she admitted theft.

"This was a joint enterprise that involved four young ladies," the teenager's solicitor, Jacqui Baldwin, told the court.

"My client went to the cathedral with friends, the incident started as a childish prank, as they pushed each other around.

"But the incident took a turn when they left the cathedral with the chairs. My client decided it was wrong and said she wanted to go home. Members of the public saw them with the chairs.

"My client now fully realises the seriousness of the incident, the cathedral relies on charitable donations, and the wheelchairs are there for the use of disadvantaged people. She feels bad that the facility was taken away."

The teenager from Ely also admitted causing damage to the door of a young people's hostel in Ely. She had gone to the property to retrieve a suitcase, and a door and door frame were damaged.

CCTV footage showed the girl using tools as she attempted to break into a room.

"This was impulsive behaviour," added Miss Baldwin.

The girl, who wants to be a model, was ordered to pay �10 compensation and was given a three-month referral order.