TWO crooks have admitted going for a joyride before crashing the car they had stolen and fleeing the scene.

Tony Coppin and Lee Ealden did not bank on the police helicopter helping the search and they were arrested 20 minutes later.

Coppin, 20, had burgled a flat in Bradford Drive, Colchester, and stole the keys to a Saab.

He drove off and spotted pal Ealden in Turner Road, Colchester, and he agreed to get in the car. Coppin drove the pair “like a five-year-old” before crashing in Plough Road, Great Bentley – writing the car off.

A witness called police and the force’s helicopter was scrambled.

They ran off, but were tracked by the helicopter crew who saw the crooks discarding items, and they were arrested two miles away, near Frating.

Coppin was charged with burglary, aggravated vehicle taking, dangerous driving and using a vehicle without insurance or a licence. He admitted all of the charges when he appeared at Colchester Magistrates’ Court yesterday.

Ealden admitted aggravated vehicle taking and dangerous driving.

Philip Pearson, prosecuting, said Coppin burgled the flat on Friday at 7pm. He said: “The victim had left his home unlocked.

At 1am he returned and noticed his vehicle had gone.

“When he entered his home he noticed the keys were missing, and a laptop computer and charger and so forth were also taken.”

The court heard Coppin had stolen the car and picked Ealden up on the way out of Colchester.

Matthew Swash, mitigating, said Ealden described Coppin as driving erratically – like a fiveyear- old. He said: “He is deeply depressed by ending up in a police station.”

Ealden, 22, of Barn Hall Avenue, Colchester, was given a community order involving going to an attendance centre to help challenge criminal tendencies.

He was also fined £60 and must pay £85 costs.

Nicholas Chilvers, chairman of the magistrates, said to Ealden: “When you saw Mr Coppin you would have thought a flag would have gone up and youwould have walked away.

“When you see Mr Coppin coming, go the other way.”

Coppin, 20, of Thorrington Road, Great Bentley, was remanded in custody to appear at Chelmsford Crown Court for sentencing, which will be in the week beginning January 25