Teenagers jailed for three-month crime spree

Kevin Nolan, 18, and Daniel Darker, 17, stole cash, a camcorder, a watch, an air rifle and mobile phones in burglaries.

Lewes Crown Court heard how they raided homes in Saltdean Way, Boxgrove Close, Park Road, Cornwall Road, Walton Park, and Virgins Lane in Battle.

But their three-month crime spree came to an end when they were arrested in September.

Nolan, of South Court Avenue, Bexhill pleaded guilty to three counts of burglary and asked for six further offences to be taken into consideration.

Darker, of The Shrublands, admitted four counts of burglary and asked for 12 further offences to be taken into consideration.

Nolan has a previous conviction for burglary two years ago and was given an action plan order.

Darker has previous convictions for dangerous driving, driving while disqualified, making off without payment and shoplifting but none for burglary.

Defending Nolan, Stephen Nelson said he was disowned by his family and forced to live on the streets at 14.

He said: "His father left the family home in acrimonious circumstances which resulted in his stepmother turfing him out on the street.

"He does not seek to blame anyone else other than himself for the matters before the court.

"I think it is right to submit that had there been some stability in his life there is reason to believe he would not be before the court."

Defending Darker, Richard Body, said: "He has taken a remarkably positive attitude to his predicament.

"He is determined to undertake education within custody and has already taken GCSE maths and nearly passed it.

"He is anxious that he is not released too early as he thinks he will benefit from 12 months in custody.

"Upon his release he is going to work for the husband of his aunt who works in the building trade. He has worked with him before and his work was very satisfactory."

Mrs Justice Rafferty ordered Nolan to be locked up at a Young Offenders Institute for two years and gave Darker a 12-month detention and training order.

She told them: "You are a pair of feckless, graceless, grabbing social nuisances. Understand this if nothing else.

"You bought misery and despair to householders."