Youth court hearings

ABSOLUTE DISCHARGE: A 15-year-old girl who destroyed furniture, a staircase spindle and crockery in a Darlington residential care home was granted an absolute discharge. The teenager, who cannot be named for legal reasons, admitted the offences.

ROBBERY CHARGE: A 14-year-old boy appeared before the court charged with robbery. The offence is alleged to have taken place last Sunday in Darlington. The case was adjourned until January 31.

BAIL GRANTED: A 17-year-old girl charged with theft and criminal damage was ordered to stay away from Darlington town centre. The case was adjourned until January 31. Bail was granted.

CASE ADJOURNED: A 14-year-old boy accused of stealing car badges in Darlington was granted bail. He will appear again before the court on January 31.

GUILTY PLEAS: Three youths appeared before magistrates charged with burgling a retired man's home while he took an afternoon nap. The three admitted carrying out the burglary at Murrayfield Way, Darlington, on November 18. They stole £95, a mobile phone, a camera and a wallet containing credit cards. One of the youths also admitted stealing compact discs from the HMV store in Darlington. Sentencing was adjoured until February 7.

CRIMINAL DAMAGE: A 14-year-old boy pleaded guilty to criminal damage and theft. He admitted destroying property at a Darlington residential care home last month and stealing video games from the HMV store in the town on January 6. The case was adjourned until February 7. Bail was granted.

BURGLARY CHARGE: Two youths charged with burgling a house in Long Newton, near Darlington, appeared before magistrates yesterday. The 17-year-old pleaded not guilty to the offence, but admitted taking two cars without consent and driving without a licence or insurance. The 14-year-old admitted the burglary and pleaded guilty to allowing himself to be carried in a car which he knew was taken without consent. The case was adjourned until January 31 and both were granted unconditional bail.