A TEENAGER who helped a gang ransack a town pub will be electronically tagged.

The 15-year-old boy, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was part of a gang that burgled The Moorcock pub, in Peterlee, east Durham, in early October, Consett Magistrates’ Court heard.

Prosecutor Blair Martin said the males forced their way into the pub, on Burnhope Way; activating its alarm at about 3.10am.

The smashed a window, stole alcohol and food from the bar and subjected the pub to “some ransacking”, he added.

The value of the goods stolen and damage to the pub totalled £1,471.58.

Police tracked down the teenager from a footprint found in the pub and although he initially denied being involved when interviewed, today (Friday, January 23) he pleaded guilty to a single charge of burglary.

Two other males have been already sentenced for their part in the crime and other offences and are serving lengthy prison sentences, the court heard.

Neil Bennett, mitigating, said although the boy had previously been in “quite a lot” of trouble, he had kept out of bother for about a year until the burglary.

“We hope it’s a blip. The family are very keen to put this behind them and move forward,” he added.

Eileen Little, the presiding magistrate, said it was a very serious matter and sentenced the boy to a six-month youth rehabilitation order, including an electronically monitored curfew between 9.30pm and 7pm on Friday and Saturday nights for a month.

He must also pay £100 compensation to the pub and complete 24 hours of unpaid work.