A TEENAGER who admitted stealing a dog after threatening its owner with violence was warned he could be facing a jail sentence.

John Thomas Fenwick was originally charged with robbery arising from his part in the incident, in a lay-by off the A689 near Leasingthorne, County Durham, on the evening of February 12 last year.

But he pleaded ‘guilty’ to alternative charges of affray, in which he used or threatened violence, and theft, at what was to be the start of his trial, at Durham Crown Court, today (Wednesday January 22).

Adrian Dent, prosecuting, said the pleas were “acceptable” to the Crown and the robbery charge would not be pursued.

The case was adjourned pending preparation of probation background reports on Fenwick, who will also be sentenced for theft of a car, which he previously admitted at Teesside Crown Court.

Judge Christopher Prince told Fenwick: “You’ll be sentenced here next month for all outstanding matters.

“You should expect to receive a prison sentence, but all options will be considered.”

He formally recorded a ‘not guilty’ verdict on the robbery charge and remanded 19-year-old Fenwick, of Eggleston Walk, St Helen Auckland, in custody pending sentence for the counts of theft and affray on February 21.