A TEENAGER from Gravesend, accused of a string of offences, was sent to a secure unit after appearing before magistrates.

The 15-year-old, who cannot be named, faces a long list of charges including GBH and shooting a cat with an air rifle.

Dartford magistrates heard the youth, who was accompanied by his mother, risked "becoming a persistent offender".

Remanding the youth in secure local authority accommodation in Peterborough, magistrate Lynne Ellis said: "The public needs to be protected."

The teenager was due back in court yesterday (Tuesday, December 4) to face all charges, which also include stealing cars and violent disorder.

December 5, 2001 02:06