A YOUTH responsible for a string of burglaries in Darwen was committed to Preston Crown Court for sentence after magistrates ruled their powers were insufficient.

James McGrady, 18, of Portland Street, pleaded guilty to burglary at a house in Bolton Road and theft of property worth £2,100, and being found on enclosed premises in Maria Street. He asked for eight offences to be taken into consideration including burglaries at houses in Hamer Street, Alice Street, Belgrave Road, East Park Avenue and a residential home in Park Road, and at the Conservative Club on Bolton Road.

McGrady was remanded on bail until his appearance at the Crown Court.