The 17-year-old, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was arrested at the weekend after missing two appointments with probation.

These meetings were part of a community order slapped on the teen after he was released from a 10-month detention order early having successfully appealed against the sentence.

He admitted the breach when he appeared at Hastings Magistrates Court on Monday.

A probation spokesman told the court: "He only managed to comply to this order for a few days before breaching again."

Aiden Harvey, defending, said: "There are problems at home and he has not been in touch with his GP and so has not been taking his medication.

"He was on suicide watch in the detention centre because he was being bullied and was given anti-depressants.

"Perhaps this is the kick up the bum he needs to start complying with the order.

"His aunt is ill and he has been told to feat the worst. He just wants to spend time with his family and visit her.

"He admits he has made a mess of things but just wants one more chance."

District judge Roger Ede decided to adjourn the case for a probation report and agreed not to remand the teen in custody.

However, his mother told his probation officer that she refused to have him back home so he will be forced to move in with his sister.

The 17-year-old was told to come back to court on October 23. He was released on bail but ordered to stay out of Eastbourne and make sure he stayed at his sister's home in Hastings.

He was also given a curfew order, which will be electronically tagged, and handed a list of teenagers in Eastbourne he is no longer allowed to associate with.

Judge Ede did make one concession. He agree that the teen should be allowed to visit his sick aunt in Eastbourne's District General Hospital.