A TEENAGE cyclist arrested by officers monitoring Darlington's first dispersal order has appeared in court on a number of charges.

The 15-year-old, who cannot be named for legal reasons, is due to be sentenced by the town's magistrates later this month.

He pleaded guilty yesterday to cycling on a footpath, cycling without lights and failing to stop for a police officer on November 24 and possession of a knife on December 31.

The boy, from Darlington, was arrested for the first three offences by officers carrying out duties in Nightingale Avenue to monitor a dispersal order in the area.

Rachel Masters, prosecuting, told the court he was spotted by officers with a group of youths in the area on his bicycle. He was asked to get off his bike, but when officers returned later he was again riding on the pavement.

In the second incident, he was with two other teenagers cycling in Yarm Road.

He was searched and found to have a three-inch folding pocket knife.

Claire Brinton, mitigating, said: "He is here out of stupidity on both sets of matters."

She said the boy had a criminal record but had stopped offending for a period of time.

Chairman of the bench Aileen Little said: "It is disappointing you are getting in more trouble and coming back to court."

He was given unconditional bail to appear in court on February 23.