A 17-YEAR-OLD youth on bail for stealing a minibus breached his bail conditions and was found hiding in a cupboard by police, Bolton magistrates were told.

The youth, who cannot be named for legal reasons, pleaded guilty to taking the minibus and was convicted of aggravated vehicle taking at a previous hearing.

He was released on bail while reports were compiled on condition that he resided at a certain place, abided by a 9pm to 7am curfew, and did not contact witnesses.

But in the early hours, as police conducted a search of a house for a different matter, the youth was found hiding in a kitchen cupboard, in breach of his condition of residence and curfew.

The court heard that he had been unable to get into his home because he did not have a key. As a result he had gone to stay at a friend's house.

Magistrates adjourned the case until April 24.

JPs stood the case down for further inquiries to be made.

The teenager is due to be sentenced on April 24.