A YOUTH has appeared in court after taking a scooter from outside a property.

The 16-year-old, who cannot be identified for legal reasons, admitted his part in taking the Piaggio Vespa scooter from a property in Newton Aycliffe on January 6.

The victim, who has a heart condition and struggles to walk very far, told the court he had been frustrated after the scooter was taken “in broad daylight”. 

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In a victim impact statement, he said: “These males are causing serious misery and they need to be dealt with.”

The boy pleaded guilty to taking the vehicle without consent as well as causing criminal damage to a Durham Police vehicle and obstructing a police officer.

He had already been made subject to an order on January 7 and will be working with the youth offending team. It was extended by five months to reflect the most recent offences. 

The court heard he had recently left school and had started getting into trouble but his parents had welcomed input from the youth offending team.

He was urged by magistrates not to associate with individuals who would get him into trouble. They added: “It’s your future and in your interest to accept help.”

Another teenager, who can also not be named for legal reasons, also appeared in connection with the incident.

He was granted bail and will appear at the court on January 14. 

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