Wigan schoolboy, 12, guilty of assault, harassment, criminal damage and theft

The youngster, who cannot be identified for legal reasons, faced five counts of causing six different people harassment, alarm or distress by using threatening or abusive behaviour.

There was also one of assault by beating, three of criminal damage by smashing vehicle windows, one of attempted criminal damage, stealing a £20 tub of Belgian chocolate sauce from Costa at Robin Retail Park and breaching a youth offender panel order all within the space of a few weeks in the summer.

The boy admitted to the majority of the offences when he appeared at Wigan Youth Court and was found guilty of the two counts of abusive behaviour that he had denied after a trial.

Justices imposed a criminal behaviour order which bars him from Robin Retail Park unless accompanied by an appropriate adult and from associating with a named 12-year-old (whose identity also cannot be made public) unless at school.

They also imposed a youth rehabilitation order with a 12-hour attendance centre requirement, participating in a Dealing with Difference Programme at a place as and when directed for five days and he must attend supervision appointments with the responsible officer or another person at such times and places as the officer says.