THE 15-year-old Darwen youth dubbed the "pied piper" by police because of his influence on other youngsters has been remanded in custody.

He appeared in court on charges which include four allegations of breaching an anti-social behaviour order.

Lee Andrew Taylor, of Hodgson Street, also faced charges of robbing a 14-year-old boy of a mobile phone and wallet, assaulting a 16-year-old boy and attempted burglary.

All the alleged offences were committed inside the exclusion zone stipulated in the anti-social behaviour order, which is also where he was arrested.

Since the order was made on February 12, Taylor has been dealt with for a breach committed within 24 hours of its imposition and denied another breach allegation and an offence of criminal damage, also committed within the exclusion zone..

The magistrates rejected an application by defence solicitor Ian Huggan for an order to be made prohibiting publication of Taylor's name and an application that he be further remanded to the care of the local authority.

He was remanded to a young offenders' institution until he appears before the juvenile court on Tuesday.