A TEENAGER went “equipped” with a metal crow bar and screwdriver to a village store in County Durham, a court heard

Declan Jay Landers, 18, was seen attempting to break into Crescent Mini Mart, in Easington Colliery, in the early hours of Tuesday.

Appearing from custody before Newton Aycliffe magistrates on Wednesday, the teen, of Ambleside Close, Peterlee, pleaded guilty to one count of attempted burglary.

John Garside, prosecuting, said a family member of the shop owner saw from afar that a group of four “youths” were outside the store - one being the defendant.

Magistrates heard the witness watched as Landers tried to force entry with a screwdriver and crow bar.

When challenged, the lads fled but Landers, wearing a knee brace, was detained.

Jaxon Taylor, mitigating, said Landers, who admitted breaching two conditional discharges, did not have tools on his person but accepted for a short period he made efforts to lift shutters.

He was handed a 12-month community order and was ordered to complete 150 unpaid work, 15 rehabilitation days and pay £100 compensation.