Judge sentences 'crime wave' teenager

A 16-year-old boy has been described by a judge as a "one-man crime wave".

The teenager from Nottingham, who cannot be identified for legal reasons, has been detained for three years for burglary.

He was caught by police after he burgled Greenwood Lodge guest house in Nottingham's Sherwood Rise in May.

The guest house owners noticed the raid when they discovered jewellery - including diamond rings, bracelets and a watch - had gone missing.

Persistent offender

Prosecutor Emma Cutts told Lincoln Crown Court the 16-year-old was arrested after his fingerprints were found.

He had two previous burglary convictions and Judge John Machin told him: "I have come to the conclusion that at the moment you are a one-man crime wave."

The judge said by the age of 16 the boy had committed three dwelling house burglaries, other burglaries and numerous offences of dishonesty.

Defence lawyer Ann Hornby said her client had been making progress with his education since he was remanded into custody and urged that he should not be given a long sentence.