A twisted thrill-seeker stole an ambulance on a 999 call because he was bored.

Stephen Rattray, 24, from South Harting near Midhurst, said he did not have enough excitement in his life and stole the ambulance on impulse, a court heard.

Rattray, an agricultural worker of Ivor Villas, jumped into the vehicle as paramedics responded to an emergency at a house in The Avenue, Goring, shortly after 8pm on New Year's Day.

Paramedics were in the house for just a few minutes when they realised the ambulance had gone, magistrates in Worthing were told yesterday.

Police were called and stopped Rattray minutes later in Brighton Road, Worthing.

Linda Arnell, prosecuting, said: "He had gone out for a drive because his life had no excitement. He saw the keys in the ignition and decided to take it."

Peter Long, defending, said: "It was a stupid, impulsive act. He now realises the consequences of what he did."

Rattray, who pleaded guilty to stealing the ambulance, said he could give no real reason as to why he stole the ambulance.

He said: "I don't know why I did it. It was a bad mistake. I didn't mean any harm."

Rattray was sentenced to a 12-month community punishment order, given six penalty points on his driving licence and ordered to pay £55 costs.

Magistrate David Harmston said: "This was a very foolish thing to do which could have had extremely serious consequences."

Phill Corsi, of Sussex Ambulance Service, said: "We are delighted with the outcome of the case.

"It is a foolish person who chooses to steal an ambulance responding to an emergency call - it could have resulted in someone losing their life."