A TEENAGER who committed a string of offences as a youth was told he could have avoided an adult court appearance had he cooperated with youth justice workers.

Ethan Hammons admitted possession of cannabis and a criminal damage charge when he appeared before North East Wales Magistrates’ Court.

Hammons had been convicted of a domestic burglary for which he received a referral order by the Youth Justice Panel. But the court was told he failed to attend appointments so a supervision contract could be drawn up.

All the offending took place when he was 17, but Hammons, of Cwm Las, Johnstown is now 18 and District Judge Gwyn Jones resentenced him for the burglary at a property in Prestatyn as well as the other two offences.

Hammons was placed under a 10-week curfew at his mother’s home and the district judge told him: “This was a wilful and a flagrant disregard of a court order. You would not be before this court had you worked with North Wales Police and the Youth Justice Team who were trying to help you.”

Prosecutor Rhian Jackson said Hammons was stopped by police in Wrexham Road in Johnstown on July 21 this year after he had been seen running away. He had a small amount of cannabis for his own use.

On September 20, a youth support worker attending a supported living home in Chapel Street in Ponciau heard a loud bang and a resident screaming at someone outside in the street.

The man was heard to shout: “I’m not coming out as you always carry a knife.”

The worker called the police when she noticed a crack in the glass panel of the front door.

Hammons was found in the street in an “aggressive and worked-up” mood.

The teenager pleaded guilty to possession of cannabis and criminal damage.

Nick Cross, defending, said the offences were committed when Hammons was a youth, but he would now be sentenced as an adult.

“He wishes to apologise for the damage, he had an argument but he wishes to pay for the damage,” said Mr Cross.

“He has taken some steps to change his life.

He suffers from autism and ADHD and he is in the process of trying to get medication for that.

He has also enrolled at college.

“He says he did attempt to contact the youth panel but his baby was having health problems at the time.”

Hammons was ordered to pay £176 compensation for the door damage as well as costs of £85 and a victim surcharge of £90.