A TEENAGER from Gravesend, accused of a string of offences, was sent to a secure unit after appearing before magistrates.

The 15-year-old, who cannot be named, faces a long list of charges including GBH and shooting a cat with an air rifle.

Dartford magistrates heard the youth, who was accompanied by his mother, risked “becoming a persistent offender”.

Remanding the youth in secure local authority accommodation in Peterborough, magistrate Lynne Ellis said: “The public needs to be protected.”

The teenager was due back in court yesterday (Tuesday, December 4) to face all charges, which also include stealing cars and violent disorder.