A CARPET fitter was branded stupid after he bought a stolen van to drive around with friends . Joshua Robinson, 19, said he paid just �60 for the van and had not thought of changing the number plates as he planned to dodge police. Magistrate Michael St

A CARPET fitter was branded "stupid" after he bought a stolen van to "drive around with friends".

Joshua Robinson, 19, said he paid just �60 for the van and had not thought of changing the number plates as he planned to dodge police.

Magistrate Michael Streisow said Robinson had "stupidly" bought the Mercedes Sprinter.

He was caught in Dagenham Road, Dagenham - a day after it was reported stolen.

Robinson, of Ripple Road, Barking, did not have insurance nor the right licence. The Probation Service said he had not thought of the consequences of his actions.

Robinson has been handed a two-month 7pm-7am curfew, a �250 fine, six points on his licence, and ordered to pay �70 prosecution costs and a �15 surcharge.

The van - bought from "a bloke" on October 7 - was more than 10 years old but of "high value" to legitimate owner Joseph Kawa. It has now been returned to him.

Robinson received a caution for shoplifting on March 9 but the Probation Service insisted he was not likely to reoffend in the future.

The dyslexic carpet fitter worked full-time until July 2008 but now only works about six days each month after jobs "dried up" in the downturn.

He also has an irregular heartbeat which requires him to wear a heart monitor and made him unsuitable for unpaid community work.

Robinson admitted receiving a stolen good, having no insurance and driving otherwise than in accordance with his licence.