A RECKLESS teenager admitted a train could have been derailed after he laid debris on the railway line in Malvern.

The 13-year-old told Droitwich magistrates he was aware his actions could have brought an engine off the tracks after he placed plastic piping, a piece of wood and a number of stones on the line on Wednesday, September 26.

Edward Soulsby, prosecuting, said police had found between six to 10 stones lined up in six different locations on the track, as well as a number of plastic strips and piping.

A 2ft by 2in piece of wood was also found by the officers, who were alerted after the youth was spotted with others on the line.

Magistrates heard that although police had cleared some of the debris, they had become concerned for their own safety with oncoming trains.

"The officers had contacted the train operators and shortly afterwards a train approached which sent shards of stone flying," said Mr Soulsby.

"But they were assured trains had been slowed and got back on the track to clear the debris."

Magistrates heard how the teenager, who appeared at Droitwich Youth Court yesterday, had also been in a gang of youths that had caused damage valued at £300 to an empty house on Monday, August 27, and stolen items valued at more than £100.

Magistrates were also told the youth had been spotted by staff at a supermarket stealing sweets by pushing them up his sleeves on Monday, October 1.

He admitted all of the offences.

Louise Hooker, defending, said her client - who is currently at a youth detention centre - had become involved in a short spell of crime because of "instabilities" in his life.

The youngster, who she said had been "egged on" during the crimes, was finding being away from home very difficult and was keen to change his ways.

"All of the crimes were committed out of frustration and were extremely impulsive, but he's now paying the price," she said. "He's finding it difficult to cope with being removed from his family and won't be carrying on in the same vein."

Magistrates ordered the youth to serve a 12-month detention and training order to run concurrently with his current 18-month detention.