A CONVICTED thief and another man face an extended wait to learn their punishment for handling a stolen car after their sentencing was adjourned.

Ian Wyllie, 52, of Regency Road, Malvern, and co-defendant Zabier Riasat, 40, of Stanley Road, Worcester, admit handling a stolen Audi RS Q3.

The offence took place between December 12, 2019 and December 27, 2019.

Worcester News: COURT: Zabier Riasat. Picture: West Mercia PoliceCOURT: Zabier Riasat. Picture: West Mercia Police

The wording of the charge is 'dishonestly undertook or assisted in the retention, removal, disposal or realisation of stolen goods.'

The pair appeared at Worcester Crown Court for sentencing on Wednesday, (August 10), but, at the start of the hearing, it quickly became apparent Wyllie's legal representative Michael Aspinall was not in the court.

Judge Nicholas Cartwright said this was an issue because he could not sentence Wyllie, and the pair could not be separated for sentencing as there were issues that tied their case together. 

Asking the pair to stand Judge Cartwright told them: "Mr Wyllie needs representation, and you need to be sentenced together."

Worcester News: COURT: Ian Wyllie, appearing outside Worcester Magistrates CourtCOURT: Ian Wyllie, appearing outside Worcester Magistrates Court

He then told the pair they should return to court for sentencing on August 17. 

Both have conditional bail and this was renewed on the same terms, but with an additional condition for Wyllie that he must not dispose of a vehicle in his possession - that was used in the transit of the stolen Audi - before the next hearing.

Judge warns Wyllie he can expect to lose his vehicle

The judge explained this vehicle was likely to be made the subject of a deprivation order as part of his sentencing adding: "If people use vehicles to transport stolen vehicles they can expect to lose them."

In May Judge Nicholas Cole, hearing the case, had ordered a pre-sentence report for Wyllie - but warned him it was no promise he would avoid prison. 

READ MORE: Malvern man Ian Wyllie kept nose clean then handled stolen Audi RS Q3

READ MORE: Zabier Riasat fined more than £1,000 for an anti police expletive rant

We have previously reported Wyllie was sent to prison for obtaining property by deception and his last convictions were for theft and fraud, which involved taking a mobility car and selling it on.

We reported in 2019 Zabier Riasat was fined more than £1,000 for an anti-police expletive rant in which he called them “Zionists, Israeli pigs”.