RIPPING the handles off a plastic shopping bag worth a penny has landed a teenager in court.

But the boy's father says the case has wasted taxpayers' money.

The 15-year-old boy, who cannot be named for legal reasons, appeared before Swindon Youth Court on a charge of criminal damage.

The court heard how he tore the handles off a carrier bag belonging to a 13-year-old girl before returning it to her as she made her way home along Dorcan Way on July 5.

The boy's father said although his son did wrong, taking it to court was too far.

"I'm sure police could have put their money into chasing something more important," said the 48-year-old.

"I don't condone what my son did as the girl may have been frightened.

"But I think an apology to the girl would have been enough without having to go to court as long as he has learned his lesson.

"It's not the first time he has been in trouble but now any little thing he does is focused on by the police.

"My son knows not to do a stupid thing like that again - it is a lot of grief for nothing."

In interview, the teenager admitted he pulled the bag away from the girl's grasp, something he said was "common practice" when he was at school.

The Crown Prosecution Service has pursued the case, despite the minor financial cost of the damage, because of the emotional impact it had on the victim who now has lifts to school from her parents.

Defending, Andrew Hobson, said: "He has reflected on the behaviour and accepts that even without malicious intent it would be distressing."

The incident came a little more than two months after the boy completed a detention and training order, where he was supervised by the Youth Offending Team.

Mr Hobson said: "He admits it was a step back to be in the youth court again. His mother has confirmed that she and his father were in the police station almost weekly for his behaviour until the previous order."

Speaking for himself, the boy said: "I did it for a laugh. It was stupid."

A reparation order is being prepared on the case, which could force the boy to meet his victim and her family.

Youth offending officers will also speak to the victim and her parents, who will be given a say in the punishment of the boy.

He will return to the dock later this month for the order to be made.

The CPS said in a statement: "The Crown Prosecution Service reviews every case to determine if there is sufficient evidence for a realistic prospect of conviction and then, whether it is in the public interest to prosecute.

"In accordance with the Code for Crown Prosecutors, the charge of criminal damage was considered to be the most appropriate in this instance."