A NORTHWICH teenager has been hauled before magistrates after failing to pay more than £800 in fines.

The 17-year-old, who cannot be named for legal reasons, appeared at Vale Royal Youth Court on Wednesday and was told he could end up in a young offenders institute if he did not start paying off the fines, which were imposed following a string of criminal convictions.

The court heard he owed a total of £923 in court costs and compensation, and had only paid off £63. He must now pay the remaining £860 at £5 per week, a rate which will be increased should he find employment.

Chairwoman of the bench, Elizabeth Pachl, said: “The fact that you are 17 is probably the only reason we’re not looking at prison.

“When you are 18 you can go to prison for not paying fines.”