A TRAIN could have been derailed at Malvern after a teenager placed plastic piping, stones and a plank of wood on the line.
The 13-year-old was sentenced to 12 months' detention by magistrates in Droitwich.
Police were called to the track on September 26, after youths were seen on the line. Officers cleared away the obstructions, though they became concerned for their own safety with oncoming trains, said prosecutor Edward Soulsby.
The court heard the youth was also one of a gang who stole items worth £100 and caused damage of £300 at an empty Malvern house in August. He was also caught stealing sweets from a supermarket in October. He admitted all the offences.
Louise Hooker, for the youth, said he had become involved in a short spell of crime because of instabilities in his life and had been egged on by others. The youth - who cannot be named for legal reasons - is already serving 18 months' detention for other offences.
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