Teenager admits driving dumper truck into Darlington houses

A teenager has admitted driving a dumper truck into several houses in Darlington.

The 16-year-old drove the truck into seven unoccupied new build houses on Hurworth Moor causing significant damage on April 27 this year.

A few days later, on May 2, the boy also stole another dumper truck from a housing estate in Middleton St George.

Police were on scene within 15 minutes where they arrested the boy and brought him into custody for questioning.  

The boy, who cannot be named due to his age, was charged with criminal damage, driving without insurance, driving otherwise than in accordance with a licence, and two counts of aggravated vehicle taking.

He appeared at Newton Aycliffe Magistrates’ Court on Friday (June 6) where he pleaded guilty to all offences.

He was released on conditional bail to appear back at court for sentencing on Friday, June 27.

Chief Inspector Jim O’Connor, from Darlington Police, said: “This was utterly mindless vandalism which has caused extensive damage to much-needed new homes in Darlington.  

“The boy is incredibly lucky not to have injured himself or other innocent members of the public during these incidents. His behaviour was completely unacceptable and will not be tolerated.

“A thorough investigation by officers in Darlington CID has resulted in the boy pleading guilty at the earliest opportunity. I hope he uses the time between now and his sentencing to reflect on his actions and the devastation he has caused.”

Councillor Matthew Roche, Darlington Borough Council’s cabinet member for health and housing, said: “We’d like to extend our thanks to Durham Police for bringing this investigation to a swift conclusion.

“The Neasham Road site is part of our ambitious programme to build hundreds of much-needed council homes and I am still devastated by the vandalism.

“There will be significant cost, although we are talking to our insurers. It also means there will be a delay in completing this phase of the building work, so potential tenants will have to wait longer for their new homes.

“Now that the investigation has come to a close, we will be undertaking an internal review.”