A 14-YEAR-OLD persistent offender, branded by a judge as a danger to society, has been sent to a detention centre for 18 months.

The youth was part of a gang that robbed another boy in Bolton town centre.

The baby-faced boy started his criminal career in 1999 and has several convictions for robbery, attempted robbery, burglary and theft.

Judge Bruce Macmillan told him yesterday: "At the age of 14 you have the worst criminal record I have ever seen.

"You are a very persistent young offender with many previous convictions for robbery, attempted robbery and theft from the person. You clearly represent a danger to society."

The judge added: "I had in mind to send you to detention for a much longer period, but the maximum I can sentence you for theft is two years. But as you have pleaded guilty I have to give you credit for that. Therefore the sentence is an 18 months Detention and Training Order."

Judge Macmillan refused a request from a court reporter to make an order allowing the media to name the youth. He imposed a Section 39 Order which forbids the idendification anyone in the case under 18 years.

The boy appeared at Bolton Crown Court for sentence, along with another 16 year-old who also cannot be identified, and 19-year-old Gareth Llewellyn, of Langley Drive, Bolton. Two female juveniles were dealt with at an earlier hearing.

All three had originally faced a robbery charge but after discussions between defence and prosecution barristers the charge was reduced to theft.

Llewellyn was remanded in custody and will be sentenced at the conclusion of other matters along with the 16-year-old.

Michael Lavery, prosecuting, said the victim was sat on the town hall steps when he was approached by a gang of seven people asking for cigarettes and money.

He refused and they asked for his mini-disc player. Then a tug of war developed between the boy and the gang. Eventually they got the player and ran off.

Mark Savill, defending, said the 14-year-old had an unenviable record but had established a reasonable relationship with a social worker assigned to him.

He realised that public opinion was against him but argued that, given one last chance, the boy might begin to make changes.