UPROOTING a lamppost has earned an 18-year-old man a criminal record.

Gregory Mosedale was one of four people who admitted ripping a lamppost worth £859 from its footings and then smashing the light.

Matt Dodson, prosecuting, said police had received an emergency call to the Tesco supermarket, in St Peter’s, about a group of youths causing trouble on Saturday, July 18.

Due to “heavy commitments” West Mercia Police was unable to send an officer immediately but later identified the youths from CCTV footage, with the help of supermarket staff.

“The CCTV showed four males pulling a lamppost and continuing until it uprooted. They then used lumps of concrete and stones to smash the lens beyond repair,” added Mr Dodson.

Rob McCrory, in mitigation, said: “This was yobbish and unpleasant behaviour but he has shown remorse.”

Appearing at Worcester Magistrates Court Mosedale, of Bannut Hill, Kempsey, was sentenced to a 12-month community order with unpaid work for 150 hours.

He was also ordered to pay £214 compensation to Worcestershire County Council.