Boys admitted college vandalism

Classrooms and students' work were damaged in the attack

Three boys have admitted causing more than £100,000 worth of criminal damage at a school for students with special needs in Norfolk.

Three boys aged 12, 15 and 17 admitted vandalising Plaxtole House, run by the College of West Anglia in King's Lynn.

Prosecutor Kevin Eastwick said they broke into the building in July looking for things to steal.

The boys, who will reappear at King's Lynn Youth Court on 9 October have had a 1900-0700 BST curfew imposed on them.

They must stay at home for this 12-hour period every night.

The case against a fourth boy has been delayed for a fortnight.

'Wanton vandalism'

The court heard that the boys went into residents' rooms at Plaxtole House taking computer consoles that later turned up in local games shops and the boys' homes.

Mr Eastwick said that the 'wanton vandalism' that accompanied the break-in was extensive.

"Windows, kitchen units and televisions were smashed. Fire extinguishers were thrown through windows. Sinks and toilets were smashed causing the building to be flooded," he said.

"The boys were caught when neighbours reported seeing somebody in the building."

In mitigation the court was told the oldest boy handed himself in to the police station when he heard appeals on the radio.

The boys were given bail and case was adjourned for pre-sentence reports.