A 28-YEAR-OLD man conned his way onto the coach of the Solihull Barons ice hockey team while they were playing in Blackburn and stole property including a team jacket belonging to one of the players.

Blackburn magistrates heard the coach driver was on the vehicle but let Christopher Derbyshire on board believing he was one of the supporters who had travelled with the team.

Derbyshire, of Garner Avenue, Blackburn, pleaded guilty to theft of a wallet, driving licence, team jacket, car and house keys, stereo facia, cash and credit cards belonging to Dale Buckland.

He was sentenced to 16 weeks in prison after the court was told he had been recalled on prison licence and was not due for release until July.

Peter Wilde, prosecuting, said CCTV on the coach showed Derbyshire talking to the driver and then leaving with a bag.

Michael Blacklidge, defending, said Derbyshire had been drinking and was in a ‘befuddled’ state.