A MAN who started a fire stole a bike in order to escape from police.

James Stewart, 30, made off with James Myles' bicycle in Glasgow's Sandyhills in June 2019.

Glasgow Sheriff Court heard Mr Myles had locked his property on the evening on June 21.

He woke to see that his shed door had been opened.

Prosecutor Alasdair Knox said: "He saw that his bike worth £350 was taken and no longer on the premises."

A 999 call was made and Stewart was later linked to the theft due to forensics carried out.

The bike was not recovered.

Stewart pleaded guilty to the single charge theft.

His lawyer Graeme Brown told the court that that Stewart previously received 13 months for wilful fire raising which took place earlier that day.

The lawyer added: "He was being pursued by the police and he saw the bike and made good his escape."

The court also heard Stewart is also serving a 20 month sentence for offences of dishonesty.

Sheriff Brian Cameron added 65 days on to the sentence for the theft conviction.