Youth’s lights night abuse

A TEENAGER who swore at police on the night Littleport s Christmas lights were switched on has admitted a string of offences. The 17-year-old, who was worse for drink when he stepped into the road at the switch-on, was abusive as a police car drove off in

A TEENAGER who swore at police on the night Littleport's Christmas lights were switched on has admitted a string of offences.

The 17-year-old, who was worse for drink when he stepped into the road at the switch-on, was abusive as a police car drove off in pursuit of another offender, Ely youth court heard on Thursday.

Magistrates also heard him admit causing criminal damage to the door of a property in Littleport in the early hours of August 27, and burgling the Littleport Bargain Centre on the same night, making off with a cardigan.

Prosecuting, Angela Sassoli said the teenager and another youth had shouted abuse outside the premises in Granby Street on August 27, and later kicked at the door.

Staff at Littleport Bargain Centre had arrived on August 27 to find the window smashed, said Mrs Sassoli.

CCTV footage showed the teenager and another youth kicking windows in the High Street, and the 17-year-old was seen holding some clothing.

"He admitted he was responsible for breaking into the premises and taking property," she added.

The window cost £440 to repair, and the clothes in the window cost £180.

The teenager admitted he had been "drunk and stupid," said solicitor Graham Russell. On the night the Christmas lights were switched on, his abuse towards police was "a throw away comment."

"He had not used the green cross code and lost his temper," he added.