A GRAFFITI vandal who missed appointments to repay the damage he caused has been told he is not taking his punishment seriously.

The 16-year-old, of Marlow Avenue, was given a reparation order on September 24, after being convicted of causing criminal damage.

The youngster was called back before the court on Monday after failing to turn up for three sessions with the Swindon Youth Offending Team.

Andrew Hobson, defending, said: "He has admitted he didn't go on the three dates in September and October.

"He lives in Marlowe Avenue, Swindon, and had to get to the centre of Stratton for the appointments.

"He finds it a long distance to walk, difficult getting a bus and has financial difficulties getting a taxi.

"He did go to football practice on one of the days, but only once he realised he couldn't get to the attendance centre."

The chairwoman of the magistrates, Felicity Beard, told the youngster: "Because we don't feel you are taking this as seriously as you should be, you will have to do another three hours and this time we will take no excuses."

The teenager promised to save some of his £30 a week pocket money so he could get to future appointments.