The boy is alleged to have broken into a property in Cradle Hill Road and 'trashed' it with the help of two older teenagers.

Prosecutors allege that the trio forced their way inside on September 7 and ripped out fixtures and fittings.

They also allegedly turned on the bathroom taps and blocked up plugholes — totally flooding the entire property, which was unoccupied and in the process of being sold.

The total cost of repairing the damage is estimated to be between £40,000 and £50,000.

In reality the cost to the owner is likely to have been even greater because a proposed sale fell through as a result of the damage.

The youth did not enter a plea to a charge of burglary with intent to commit criminal damage when he appeared before Lewes magistrates on Wednesday.

He was accompanied in court by his grandmother and cannot be identified because of his age. He lives in the Seaford area.

The court ruled that the matter was too serious for them to deal with and directed that the defendant should stand trial at Lewes Crown Court.
He was released on bail pending a further hearing on November 12 at which he will appear alongside two older defendants.

On that date all three are expected to be formally sent to the higher court.

Conditions imposed on the boy's bail stipulate that he must remain indoors every night between 7pm and 7am and present himself at the front door if required to do so by a police officer.

He must also report to Seaford police station every day and is forbidden from contacting prosecution witnesses in the case.