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YOUNG OFFENDERS: Scottish youth court's first day lasts five minutes

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Scotland's two-year youth court pilot at Hamilton Sheriff Court had to wind up its first-ever session on 2 June after five minutes when one of two young offenders failed to appear. Following the first case, of a 17-year-old who pleaded not guilty to 14 separate charges, Sheriff Hugh Nielson issued a warrant for the arrest of the second teenager, who failed to attend to answer charges of breach of the peace and exposing himself to police officers.

Paul Hughes, a youth court clerk, said the 16-year-old had been arrested the same night and appeared in court the next day. After pleading guilty, the 16-year-old will appear at the court on 24 June. Under the pilot, young offenders can face community service orders or electronic monitoring.

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