A PERSISTENT young offender with an “appalling” criminal record has appeared before magistrates and picked up his eighth conviction.

The 16-year-old, who cannot be named for legal reasons, pleaded guilty to being drunk and disorderly in Winsford town centre on December 12 at a hearing on Wednesday.

Sean Spencer, prosecuting, said: “Police officers approached the defendant on Dene Drive at 7.20pm. Straight away he became very abusive. He was drunk and smelled strongly of intoxicants.”

The teenager, who lives in Wharton, repeatedly swore at the officers and called them “muppets”.

He told one: “You were bullied at school.”

He also admitted breaching the curfew order he is currently subject to, telling the court his electronic tag was torn off during a fight.

He was given a £50 fine and must carry out 80 hours of unpaid work.

The chairman of the bench, John Meredith, said: “You have an appalling record and it won’t be long before we’re thinking about locking you up.”