A PERSISTENT young offender, who used to be part of a Worcester gang has walked free from court after admitting a number of offences including damaging a police cell.

The 17-year-old, who cannot be named for legal reasons, appeared at Worcester Magistrates Court in custody on Wednesday but was released after receiving a community punishment order for three charges of theft and one of criminal damage.

The youth court heard that the young man had stolen a bicycle, which was locked up at the CrownGate centre in Worcester on Saturday, December 22, last year.

Sally Hill, prosecuting, told the court an employee of CrownGate had seen the youth kicking at the bike, as if to break the lock, before riding off on it. He was arrested by police and admitted the offence.

The court then heard that on Sunday, December 30, last year, after being arrested by police, the youth scratched his name into the door of the cell he was being detained in.

He also scrawled the initials of the gang that he was a member of.

The other two thefts were committed on Sunday, January 6, this year when the youth stole a Nintendo Wii and games, worth £650, plus £50 in cash and an ornamental lighter from the home of a friend where he had been a guest.

Mrs Hill told the court that the youth had notched up an "unenviable" criminal record dating back to 2002.

She said: "He is a persistent young offender."

In mitigation, Barry Newton said the youth had been in and out of care during his life and had been associating with known criminals. He added that he was now in a stable relationship and was determined to turn his life around.

Magistrates sentenced the youth to a 12-month community punishment order, requiring him to carry out 120 hours of unpaid work.

He was also ordered to pay £700 compensation.

Magistrates refused to lift reporting restrictions allowing your Worcester News to name the youth.