A TEENAGE boy pleaded guilty to breaking into a friend's house and stealing his cassettes.

The 16-year-old, from Darlington, admitted entering the property via an open downstairs window.

The youth, who has learning difficulties and cannot be named for legal reasons, appeared at Darlington Magistrates' Court yesterday.

The court heard that the boy entered the house during the day knowing there was nobody in. He went to his friend's bedroom and took eight "rave" tapes, worth £8 each.

However, on leaving the house he destroyed the tapes.

The court was told it was likely he damaged the property after realising the trouble he would be in if anyone caught him with them.

The youth was given a nine-month conditional discharge and was ordered to pay £64 in compensation to his friend and £35 in court costs.