Colliers Wood looter brothers spared jail over

The boys, aged 16 and 17, who cannot be named for legal reasons, looted designer items including an Adidas shoulder-bag and Timberland boots from JD Sports in Colliers Wood during the disorder.

Jeans, hoodies and tracksuit bottoms with their tags still attached were also found at the pair's Mitcham home.

The younger boy told police he had attended the scene to get his brother to come home - but when he arrived he became involved in the looting.

At Balham Youth Court on Tuesday, the college students were given community sentences - after the court heard they had clean records and had immediately confessed to their crimes when arrested.

The court heard the store at the Tandem retail centre had seen its glass front smashed and metal shutters pulled open during the rioting on the evening of August 8.

Magistrates were told the pair had found some goods lying outside the shop, but had also grabbed items from the store itself.

Police were tipped off that the siblings were in possession of stolen goods, and raided the house - where one of the boys showed them the haul of stolen items.

Both admitted their guilt and apologised immediately after arrest.

Lawyer John Paul McNamara, representing the older brother, said: "He didn't blame anyone else - he didn't make any silly excuses."

The brothers were both given 12-month referral orders, including a three-month night-time curfew, classes aimed at improving their behaviour and a £100 fine.

The 17-year-old, who admitted one count of burglary, was also told to complete 24 hours of unpaid work.

The younger boy, who admitted burglary, theft and handling stolen goods, was ordered to complete 40 hours.

At the same court on Tuesday a 16-year-old girl from Wimbledon was given a 12 month referral order for handling stolen goods - including clothing jewellery and bags - taken from various stores in Clapham Junction on the night of the riots.