Drink drive boy

The teenager, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was due to appear before Worthing magistrates today (Thursday), charged with burglary, aggravated vehicle taking and driving with excess alcohol.

He was taken to Littlehampton police station by two members of the public last Monday, following a car crash in which a wall was damaged at Cornwall Road, Littlehampton.

A Sussex Police spokesman said: "The youth is certainly one of the youngest ever to be charged with driving with excess alcohol. Records for the last six years show that, in Sussex, the youngest was 13 years and 11 months. This youth is 13 years and 10 months."

Arun and Littlehampton Town councillor Mark Butler, who lives near the scene of the crash, said: "It's alarming to know this has happened in our neighbourhood. Hopefully this won't be another event which attracts adverse publicity to our town, nationally.

"Whatever has happened with this boy, and it is shocking if drink is involved at such a young age, people should remember that there are many young people doing positive things in Littlehampton through our schools and youth clubs."