A DRINKER stole £75 from a disabled friend by sitting on him, York magistrates heard.

David Garnett, prosecuting, said Lewis Anthony Oakland asked Thomas Morris to lend him some money.

After the victim refused, Oakland grabbed his wallet from his hand and sat on top of him when he tried to resist.

"The complainant says he suffers from arthritis and his left leg has been amputated," said Mr Garnett. "He therefore gave up the struggle."

Oakland took £75 from the purse and left Mr Morris's house.

When arrested, he claimed to police that he had only taken £25 which Mr Morris owed him, and denied assaulting him. But magistrates convicted him of stealing £75 and assault.

Oakland, 35, of Healey Grove, Muncastergate, did not attend his trial, but was arrested on warrant and pleaded guilty to non-attendance at court.

Magistrates conditionally discharged him for 18 months and ordered him to pay £75 compensation plus £200 costs.

His solicitor, John Howard, said the men drank heavily together and shared the cost of their drinking bouts.

Although Oakland had a long record, he had not been in trouble for some time, and the solicitor urged magistrates to give him a chance.

Updated: 11:28 Wednesday, February 20, 2002