AN experienced youth offending team officer said she was horrified by the story of a homeless 16-year-old caught shoplifting.

The boy, now 17, admitted three counts of theft and one assault when he appeared before Swindon Youth Court this week.

Prosecutor Keith Ballinger said the youngster was part of a group that had gone to John Lewis in February then split up. The boy was handed a mattress topper and left the shop making no attempt to pay for it. He returned and took another mattress topper.

Seven days later he went into the Wilko store with two others and stole cushions.

In June, the boy went into B&M Bargains with another group. He was seen on CCTV picking up a pair of “slider” sandals and putting them under his jacket.

When they were confronted, the group abused the security guard, including knocking off his cap.

Emma Hillier, defending, said her client had been “basically abandoned” by his mother.

She said: “He has been left totally on his own from quite a young age.”

He was now sofa surfing with older friends, who supported him, and had hopes of working in hair and beauty in the future.

“He tells me that he’s in a better place these days. He has a good network of friends. He is trying to sort out work and some permanent housing,” the defence solicitor said.

Youth offending team manager Julie Coleman promised action.

She said: “I’m quite horrified at the moment that at 16 he was homeless and still is homeless and I’d like to know who’s got a duty of care for him.

“The first thing I will do is a referral to children’s services. Hopefully we can get people working on this young man.”

Magistrates sentenced the boy to a four-month youth referral order and ordered he pay a £22 victim surcharge.

Chairman of the bench Martin Smith said: “You’re here because you committed shopliftings which are serious.

“We are very sympathetic to your position, although we’re going to punish you for what you’ve done that punishment will include some assistance.

“The youth offending team over there are a top group of people. If anyone can help you, they will.”