Plaxtole House culprits in custody
TWO Lynn youths involved in a £110,000 wrecking spree at a college centre for students with special needs were given custodial sentences on Tuesday.
Mark Rix (15) and a 12-year-old, who cannot be named for legal reasons, admitted burglary and criminal damage at Plaxtole House, part of the College of West Anglia, in July.
A press application to the court to be able to name the defendants and legal restrictions were lifted on two of them because of the public interest in the case and the amount of damage caused.
READ ALSO: Every Plaxtole House Toilet smashed
Both Rix and the 12-year-old also admitted damaging hanging baskets at Lynn bus station and disorderly behaviour on the roof of Sainsbury's in Lynn.
Rix also admitted offences of endangering railway users by throwing a roadside barrier off Hardwick Bridge, and theft.
The 12-year-old also admitted damaging windows at Fakenham High School.
At Lynn Youth Court, Rix was sentenced to a nine-month detention order followed by a nine-month training order.
The 12-year-old was sentenced to a six-month detention order followed by a six-month training order.
His solicitor, Rhys Mardon, told the court he would appeal against the sentence and the youth was remanded on conditional bail pending the appeal hearing.
Terence Venemore (17), of Gaywood, admitted one offence of burglary and one of criminal damage at Plaxtole House.
He was sentenced to a ten-month referral order concentrating on his future employment and training.
A 15-year-old Yarmouth youth, who cannot be named, admitted two offences of burglary with intent at the same premises.
The magistrates imposed a nine-month referral order and a three-month parenting order.
Kevin Eastwick, prosecuting, said Plaxtole House was broken into on July 25, 26 and 27.
On July 27, police were alerted by nearby residents who heard noises and went to investigate. Rix and two other youths were later apprehended. To his credit, Venemore handed himself in, said Mr Eastwick.
The youths co-operated when questioned, making the job of the police much easier. "Because of the amount of damage done, there was little forensic evidence," said Mr Eastwick.
Rix told police he went into Plaxtole House three times, causing damage on each occasion and stealing property on two occasions.
On one occasion, he took 20 cash which he spent on food and cigarettes. The 12-year-old said he initially gained entry through a large window and opened a fire door to let the others in.
He went back twice, stealing items and causing damage on all occasions.
He took some stolen computer games to a local store and traded them in, said Mr Eastwick.
Venemore told police he went with the others to Plaxtole House after being told there was money.
He described the 12-year-old "walking round smashing windows" and Rix smashing a guitar.
BREAKING
He admitted breaking two or three windows by throwing pool balls through them.
The Yarmouth 15-year-old did not cause any damage but agreed to take away stolen items for safekeeping, added Mr Eastwick.
For Rix, Neil Meachem said the youth was immature for his age and not "innately bad".
When talking about committing the damage he said it felt "like a dream".
Rix had the worst start in life and was made the subject of a full care order at a very young age. He had been deeply hurt and was hitting out in turn.
A repeat offender, Rix, who had failed to complete previous court orders, said: "I'm really ashamed. I know I shouldn't have done it and I just have to pay the price now."
Venemore was naive and immature and had never been in trouble before, said Mr Meachem. He deserved massive credit for giving himself up.
"No-one would have known he was there otherwise," he said.
Venemore told the court he was really sorry and hoping to find a job.
For the 12-year-old, Mr Mardon said his emotional development had been assessed at between nine months and three years. He had been diagnosed with chronic post traumatic stress disorder due to past abuse.
"I haven't words to describe it," said Mr Mardon.
The youth, who was in care, needed containment and protection but no suitable place was currently available. The 12-year-old said: "I am very ashamed of myself."
Mr Stuart Peel, for the 15-year-old from Yarmouth, said he became involved out of boredom and an element of peer pressure.
He had demonstrated a very mature understanding of what he had done and accepted responsibility.
The youth told the court he was sorry and would not offend again.
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Sunday 27 May 2012
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