Jeremy Joseph Fresi faces court after stealing e-bike from outside Zaza Kebabs in Byron Bay

A Byron Bay man copped it in court after he nicked an e-bike, which was later returned missing its motor, among other parts.

Jeremy Joseph Fresi, 36, outside the court.

A Byron Bay father convicted of stealing told police he snatched an e-bike from outside a kebab shop because it was not locked up.

Jeremy Joseph Fresi, 36, claimed he tried to look up where to return the e-bike online – but parts of the vehicle were sold off, court documents state.

“The bike was returned the same day to the owner who noticed there had been new modifications to the bike, including a missing motor,” according to police facts.

“The front gear handles and rear gear shifter were replaced with a second-hand version and the original frame paint has been sanded off leaving bare metal.”

The helmet, front light and bike lock were also missing.

The e-bike was snatched from outside Zaza Kebabs on Jonson St. Picture: Savannah Pocock

Fresi faced Byron Bay Local Court on Monday, pleading guilty to larceny over the theft outside Zaza Kebabs on Jonson St on July 24 last year.

The victim discovered his $2500 TREK mountain e-bike was stolen about 12.30pm and his father reported the crime to the Byron Bay police station.

The offence was captured on CCTV.

About a month later, police spotted Fresi riding a push bike without a helmet on Bangalow Rd, Byron Bay.

Police showed him the footage of the e-bike theft and he said he took the bike because it was not locked up and he did not know who it belonged to, court documents state.

Fresi said he sold the bike for $100, but knew its location. He handed the bike to police and was charged.

The bike rack outside the shop. Picture: Savannah Pocock

The crime breached an intensive corrections order Fresi was placed on after he was found guilty of receiving stolen motorbike and possessing an illegal weapon.

Defence lawyer Anderson Clark told the court the e-bike theft was opportunistic.

“He believed the bike was abandoned and thought it had been there a number of days,” she said.

However, Magistrate Karen Stafford said the bike was left for just 15 minutes and Fresi’s offending showed a degree of planning.

“Police facts state the bike was locked – you say it wasn’t,” she said.

“You have been doing well with community corrective services and there’s been no further offending since September.”

Ms Stafford sentenced Fresi to an 18-month intensive corrections order.

He must also complete 100 hours of community service work and pay $800 in compensation.