PO raiders bring shame on families

A TEENAGER was handed a six-month referral order at Oldham Magistrates Court yesterday after breaking into High Crompton post office in June.

The 14-year-old pleaded guilty to breaking in at Thornham Road around 2am on June 22, smashing a front door. He was also ordered to pay compensation of £138, a £15 victim surcharge and £85 costs.

Lead magistrate Peter Claber said: “For me, the agreed levels of compensation are low in comparison to the damage you caused. This is a serious offence that has brought disgrace to yourself and your father.”

During the raid, two witnesses heard the alarm and rushed to the post office, where they told the group to stay where they were.

The 14-year-old sprayed a fire extinguisher, enabling the others to escape but he was detained until police arrived. A rucksack found at the post office contained paperwork which led officers to the teenager’s home where the group were found asleep.

The teenager was also part of a group that broke into the building a week earlier and stole goods worth £150 before returning after a night of drinking to try again.

A fingerprint left at the scene on June 15 meant he could be charged with burglary on that occasion too.

Two charges of common assault previously levelled at the defendant were discontinued.

Previously, a 15-year-old was charged with two counts of burglary, a 17-year-old was charged with burglary and criminal damage to property and a 16-year-old was charged with one count of burglary.

Each of the three paid compensation of £138 as well as £85 in costs.

The 15-year-old was given a referral order of nine months, the 16-year-old for six months, and the 17-year-old for 12 months.

l A referral order can be given to any first-time offender aged 10 to 17 for a maximum period of 12 months.

The offender will attend regular meetings with a panel who monitor behaviour, introduce them to the victims and encourage community work to prevent reoffending.