Judge tells teen to sort herself out

Shayde Weston, 17, was sentenced on a charge of receiving to 40 hours' community work when she appeared before Judge Tony Walsh in the Masterton District Court on Thursday.

A Masterton teen caught with music equipment stolen from a burglary at Makoura College earlier in the year, has been told by the sentencing judge she needs to sort her life out.

Shayde Weston, 17, was sentenced to 40 hours' community work on a charge of receiving when she appeared before Judge Tony Walsh in the Masterton District Court on Thursday.

Equipment stolen from the school in the May 20 burglary included three electric guitars, two bass guitars, a keyboard, three guitar amplifiers and PA system, which were all recovered via Weston, the court heard.

She had also previously pleaded guilty to a charge of driving while forbidden.

Concerning the driving while forbidden charge, Weston was stopped by police when driving a motorised bike.

Defence lawyer Peter Stevens told the court Weston had put a lawnmower engine on a bike and "got it going", driving about 250 metres before being stopped by police.

Judge Walsh noted her age and concerns he had about her appearing in court at such a young age.

"You need to be careful what you doing with your life," he said. "You need to understand this is serious offending, you could go to prison for seven years ... you have been given a lot of opportunity to help yourself.

"Keep going the way you are, and you are setting yourself up for more serious options."

Weston was remanded on bail until November 25 to give her a chance to gain her learner's licence.