The mother of a teenage burglar told a court she hoped he would "get what he deserves".

She told Harwich Youth Court yesterday: "I think he (my son) needs help.

"I think unless he can get the right sort of support, I don't hold out much hope.

She added: "I feel quite relieved we are before the court today and matters can get cleared up and he gets what he deserves."

The 17-year-old Colchester youth, who cannot be named because of his age, admitted two burglary offences to houses and burgling a business, all this year.

He also admitted perverting the course of justice by producing a false doctor's note, handling stolen goods and taking a moped without the owner's consent. The youth asked the court to take a further 13 matters into account.

On May 18, he went to T & M Autos, in Colchester, with others and used a van to smash into the company which supplies vehicle alarms.

During a search of his home following his arrest, property was found relating to other burglaries. He later failed to attend court but got hold of a blank doctor's certificate and falsified it.

Anna Perera, representing the youth, said her client feared he would be attacked if he told police names of other people involved in the burglaries and was frightened of custody.

The youth told the court he was sorry and had written a letter of apology to one of the victims which he planned to hand to the youth offending team.

Magistrates rescinded an earlier referral order for three previous offences and gave him a ten-month detention and training order, he was given a further four months for handling stolen goods, perverting the course of justice and the burglary in May.

A ten-month sentence for the other burglaries will be served concurrently, making a total of 14 months. He will be detained for a maximum of seven months and serve the remainder under intense supervision.

Published Thursday, June 5, 2003

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