TEENAGER Peter Bedford was caught red-handed as he tried to cash a stolen cheque, a court heard.

Bury magistrates heard that staff at the cashing company became suspicious and the police were called.

Investigations revealed that Bedford, aged 19, from York Street, Bury, had already got away with £300 after he successfully managed to cash another stolen cheque.

Bedford, who had pleaded guilty to obtaining cash by deception and attempting to obtain cash, also admitted possessing cannabis.

The court heard that just days after being arrested over the stolen cheques he was searched by police on an entirely different matter.

During the course of that, the drug, with a street value of just £15, was discovered.

Bedford was given a 12-month community rehabilitation order with a condition that he attend the Think First programme. He was orderd to pay compensation of £300.