A MALVERN teenager's mum asked that his electronic tag be removed - because it wasn't having the desired effect.

Worcester Youth Court yesterday heard that the 13-year-old had breached his curfew at least eight times in one month.

It had been imposed to curb his offending but culminated in two shoplifting offences.

"About 3.15pm on Monday, January 27 he was seen in Safeway, Malvern, by a store detective putting two bottles of Coca-Cola down his trousers and left without making payment," said Alex Warren, prosecuting.

The court heard he was stopped outside and when arrested by police he admitted stealing for his own consumption.

On Tuesday, February 11 he stole confectionery from Worcester's Woolworth's. The combined value of the two thefts was £5.59.

The 13-year-old admitted two charges of theft and breaching the curfew order imposed in November.

He cannot be named for legal reasons.

Nick Chandler, of Premier Monitoring Services, said there had been eight breaches in December.

"On Friday, January 17 we went round to the address and spoke to his mother, who asked for the equipment to be removed," he said.

The court heard the boy had been in trouble with the law before but had been behaving until November last year.

"It's extremely disappointing that he's got himself back into trouble," said David Jackson, defending.

Magistrates revoked the curfew order and sentenced him to a two-year supervision order and 30 days of specified activities. His mother was asked to pay £20 costs.