A 13-YEAR-OLD from Northwich has been ordered to repay the community after destroying Christmas tree lights and bedding plants in the town.

The teenager, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was sentenced at Chester Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday, June 1, after pleading guilty to two counts of criminal damage.

He was also charged with burglary at Northwich’s Moss Lane Leisure Complex.

This incident dates back to February 22, 2021, when the teen entered the rugby changing rooms at the complex as a trespasser ‘with intent to do unlawful damage to the said building or anything therein’.

The court heard how later that year, on December 27, he destroyed Christmas tree lights to the value of £60 belonging to Northwich Town Council.

And just a few months later, on April 12, 2022, the youth destroyed bedding plants, also belonging to the town council.

Magistrates made the 13-year-old subject to a nine-month youth referral order, which will include working with the council or undertaking project work, benefiting the community and getting support and education.

A total of £175 in compensation must also be paid by a parent or guardian on his behalf.

His guilty plea was taken into account.