A notorious teenage criminal dubbed Homing Pigeon Boy has been given a "last chance" of a fresh start.

Shaun Andrew McKerry, 18, appeared before Sedgefield magistrates today morning, where he admitted two charges of theft and one of possession of cannabis.

The court heard that McKerry, of Benbow Walk, Coundon, County Durham, was a passenger in a car which was stopped by police in Crook on New Year's Eve last year.

A search discovered he was carrying a small amount of cannabis for personal use.

On January 8 this year McKerry was spotted by CCTV cameras in a Northern Electric store in Bishop Auckland.

He was picked up buy police later where he handed over a cordless digital phone, which he had stolen.

Whilst on bail for that offence, McKerry was apprehended by staff at Asda in Bishop Auckland on February 2. He had stolen two bottles of whiskey.

He also admitted an offence of failing to surrender to custody at Crook police station on January 16.

McKerry, who was called Homing Pigeon Boy for his tendency to return home after committing crimes, has been arrested dozens of times since 1995 and has appeared before the courts on numerous occasions.

In August 2000, The Northern Echo won a landmark High Court battle for the right to reveal his identity, despite being a juvenile at the time.

Magistrates yesterday released McKerry on conditional bail to be assessed for a Drug Rehabilitation and Treatment Order. The case was adjourned until Monday, March 18.