A metal thief who was caught red-handed led police officers on a frantic chase around the streets of the Black Country – on a horse and cart.

Paul Halls reached speeds of 20mph as his horse galloped through Coalpool in Walsall.

Police chased after the cart with their sirens blazing and blue lights flashing.

The 20-year-old yesterday appeared at Walsall Magistrates Court, where he was fined £50 after admitting the unusual charge of driving a carriage namely horse and cart furiously to the obstruction, annoyance and danger of the residents.

Halls, of Warner Road, Coalpool, was caught trying to steal two metal gates worth £1,369 from land belonging Walsall Housing Group on July 7.

Residents living near to the scene in Beddowes Road, Ryecroft, called the police, who saw Halls trying to load the gates on to the cart with two other men.

Mr Peter Smedley, prosecuting, said the defendant “hoofed it” after being caught in the act by police.

The main chase took place along Oswin Road, Coalpool.

In court, Halls was also given a 12-month conditional discharge after pleading guilty to attempted theft. Magistrates heard it was his first conviction.

Nigel Ford, defending, said: “He was out in a field with the horse which is common in the Coalpool area when he was approached by two people who asked him to help with loading. Without asking too many questions Halls agreed do it.”

Halls was charged under the little-known Town Police Clauses Act 1847 for the horse and cart offence.

Chairman of the bench Mr Michael Kearns ordered him to pay costs of £85 and victims’ surcharge £15.

“This is an unusual case, but we have to take this seriously as we are seeing a spate of metal thefts in this area,” Mr Kearns said.