AFTER arguing with his girlfriend, Robert Barbieri went joyriding in a JCB digger and crashed it into a fence. Barbieri drove 25 miles from Swaffham to Littleport where he stole the JCB. Prosecuting Francesca Devine told magistrates that Barbieri, 25, of

AFTER arguing with his girlfriend, Robert Barbieri went joyriding in a JCB digger and crashed it into a fence.

Barbieri drove 25 miles from Swaffham to Littleport where he stole the JCB.

Prosecuting Francesca Devine told magistrates that Barbieri, 25, of Steeple View, Swaffham, told a police officer he had been "stitched up" and that "it must have been an insurance job", but later admitted his offence when interviewed.

Barbieri, who has four previous convictions for similar offences, was ordered to carry out 200 hours' unpaid work, pay £250 compensation and £60 costs.

He was also disqualified from driving for 12 months.

Presiding magistrate Bryant Watson said: "The punishment might seem harsh but this is a repetitive offence in your case.