Officers given false details

Magistrates heard how the 17-year-old, who cannot be named for legal reasons, lied about his identity after being caught stealing £24.29 of cosmetics from a Worcester Superdrug store on Tuesday, May 29.

Alex Warren, prosecuting, told magistrates because the teenager had given officers the name of an 18-year-old who had no previous convictions, he was released with a caution.

But he added the teenager was then caught driving a red Vauxhall car in the city while on bail for the offence of theft and giving false details.

"The defendant gave false details a second time when he was stopped by officers on a mobile patrol," he said.

"But the officers became suspicious and his real identification was discovered. It was found he was driving while disqualified.

"He then told officers he had taken the car from a friend's partner after visiting their house. He had taken the keys without them knowing."

During yesterday's hearing at Droitwich Magistrates Court, the youth admitted driving without insurance, driving while disqualified, theft and two counts of obstructing police in their enquiries.

Nick Roberts, defending, said his client was not someone who thought through the consequences of his of actions, but was keen to mend his ways after spending three weeks in a youth detention centre.

He added although custody was on the cards again, his client had learned a "short sharp shock" while behind bars and would agree to anything to avoid detention.

"He's seen custody for what it is and it frightened him," he said.

"He realises there are people bigger than him there who prey on those like him. Maybe this has been the catalyst which has made him see he cannot keep on offending."

Magistrates told the youth although the offences were serious enough for custody, they believed his previous spell behind bars had made him realise his mistakes.

The teenager was put on an intensive supervision order with surveillance for one year.