A TEENAGER, who was working as an instructor at Llandysul’s Paddlers Canoe Centre, has admittted stealing money from the club.

Declan Cox, 18, pleaded guilty to stealing the cash from the club and smashing up a window to make it look as though there had been a break-in.

He claimed in phone calls to the police there had been several incidents involving youngsters.

One 16-year-old was even quizzed by police after Cox claimed he had been assaulted and pushed into a lake.

Defence solicitor Alison Mathias said Cox was apologetic but had been desperate to return to Scotland. She said he had been going through a difficult period with family problems and “wasn’t thinking things through properly”.

She said Cox, of Flat 31, 130 Cumberland Street in Glasgow, was considered “vulnerable” by social services and was only 17 when he committed the offences.

Ms Mathias said Cox was receiving help and sport from social services and from a counselling service which was helping address some of his problems.

Cox was fined £120, but will also have to pay compensation of £310 and costs of £105.