A TEENAGER who was frustrated at constantly having to move home because of his father's Army service vented his feelings by smashing windows in empty MoD houses in Tidworth.

The 14-year-old who lives in a village near Pewsey, appeared before the South East Wiltshire Youth Court sitting in Devizes on Thursday.

He admitted charges of causing criminal damage.

Roger Jones, prosecuting, said witnesses saw the windows being smashed and a crowd of youths climbing into the empty quarters in Falcon and Kestral Close.

One witness identified the defendant. When he was later questioned by Ministry of Defence police officers he admitted being responsible.

Although the court was told the value of the broken windows totalled £345, the MoD claimed only £88 compensation because the homes were due to be demolished.

Trevor Lines, defending, said the teenager had not wanted to move to a village.

"To some extent he took out his frustration on properties which he knew were to be demolished.

"It was not a case of wanton destruction. It was damage to properties which he knew were going to be pulled down very soon."

The magistrates ordered the boy to pay the £88 cost of boarding up the windows on the former quarters.