Jamie Michael Young took the lead from the roof of a doctor's surgery in Durham Street, Hartlepool.

Town magistrates heard the 19-year-old was with two other men when the offence was committed on April 20.

Prosecuting, Stephen Hill, said Young had commented: "I don't know why I did it. All we got was £41 between the three of us when we weighed it in."

Mitigating, Alison Banks, said Young, of Beaconsfield Street, Hartlepool, and two others used a ladder to climb up on to the roof and take the lead.

She added: "The financial gain to this man was £12 so there has not been any excessive amount removed."

Mrs Banks said Young committed the crime partly due to financial problems caused by "unpredictable working hours" in a warehouse.

"He is trying to get another job but that in itself is proving difficult," she added.

Magistrates ordered Young, who pleaded guilty to the theft, to pay a £60 fine, a victim surcharge of £15 and court costs of £50.