An anonymous tipster called to tell police Mark Bell had the missing go-kart at his Peacock Avenue home, after seeing Bell’s post on an Border buy-sell-swap page Facebook page.

Bell, 22, appeared at Wodonga Magistrates Court yesterday where he pleaded guilty to stealing the go-kart from a Marshall Street home about 12.30am on December 9.

The court was told Bell noticed the open side gate of the house and went into the backyard and took the go-kart, which he then wheeled home.

He later advertised the motor for sale online, and police found all the pieces of the cart at his home.

He also pleaded guilty to having an imitation firearm which police found while searching the property.

Bell’s solicitor Mario Vaccaro said his client was unaware it was illegal to have a fake firearm.

Magistrate John Murphy called the theft “a bit of a low act” particularly as the go-kart likely belonged to a child.

Bell was convicted and sentenced to a three-month community corrections order.

It includes 50 hours of community work.