A FORD enthusiast found himself in deep water with the authorities.

South Lakeland Magistrates’ Court heard how Phillip Gorst, 22, of Low Mead, Kendal, stole a road sign he found under water because it had the word ‘ford’ written on it.

Lisa Hine, prosecuting, heard that Gorst had a passion for Ford motors because his dad used to rally in them.

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Magistrates were told Gorst was driving through the ford near Bowness on June 12 in his white Ford van when he lost his number plate.

Ms Hine said that as he got out to look for it he saw the road sign underwater which was ‘dirty and in a bad condition’.

Magistrates heard he put it between the front seats of his van but was spotted by a farmer who phoned Cumbria Police.

Gorst pleaded guilty to theft by finding.

Chairman of the bench Jenny Farmer fined Gorst £100 and said the fine was so low because he ‘returned it in a better condition’.