A 15-YEAR-OLD youth was locked-up yesterday after he admitted burgling a house twice and returning to steal the occupant's car.

Darlington Youth Court imposed a 12-month Detention and Training Order (DTO) after hearing how the Darlington teenager twice burgled the property last month, and on another occasion assaulted another teenager.

The offences occurred just weeks after the youth completed a DTO for a burglary committed in January 2002.

The court heard that the youth first broke into the property, in Conyers Avenue, Darlington, through the back door, on January 14.

Barry Smith, prosecuting, said he stole £135, a camera and some car keys.

In the early hours of the following morning, the teenager, who is disqualified from driving, returned to the property to steal a Vauxhall Corsa and subsequently crashed it into a neighbour's car, before making off.

Mr Smith said the youth knew the home-owner's 15-year-old son, and only days later, on January 20, went back to the house to see him, when an altercation occurred.

"The defendant extended his arm as if to shake hands with the boy but then the boy says he was pushed back into the house and punched in the face," said Mr Smith.

"He was pushed back again about 4ft from the door and punched on the right cheek for a second time."

The defendant then stole a further £15 from the house before leaving.

In mitigation, Graham Hunsley said the youth had acted impulsively at a time when things had not been easy for him.

He said the teenager was fully aware of the severity of the crimes.

"He accepts that he is staring custody in the face," he said.

The youngster admitted two charges of burglary and charges of theft and assault. He also admitted driving while disqualified and without insurance.

Magistrates told him that the first six months of his DTO would be carried out at a young offenders' institution and the second half under supervision.

He was also disqualified from driving for two years.

The teenager's mother left the court in tears as her son was handcuffed and taken away by police officers.