Prosecutor relies on his French skills to explain hearing the theft accused
A prosecutor called on his language skills to deal with a teenager accused of stealing from women enjoying nights out.
Sofane Yakr appeared before Kirklees magistrates yesterday in custody. He faces four charges of stealing phones from women attending bars on King Street on November 10.
Yakr, 19, entered no pleas at the hearing.
Magistrates heard that he spoke no English and needed an Arabic interpreter.
When magistrates discovered that he understood some French, prosecutor Julian Briggs helped progress the proceeding.
He explained in French to Yakr, of Stratford Street in Leeds, that he will make his next appearance at the court on March 15.
Yakr was granted technical bail as he is currently in prison. When he is released he will be banned from entering any nightclub or place incorporating a dancing area in West Yorkshire.