Boy, 12, accused of spate of burglaries across London's top hotels

A 12-year-old boy has been accused of a spate of burglaries across some of London's top hotels spanning a 10-month period.

A court heard allegations that the boy, who cannot be named for legal reasons, carried out raids on Claridge's in Mayfair, the Four Seasons in Park Lane, the Corinthia Hotel in Whitehall, and The Millennium Hotel in Knightsbridge.

He also faces allegations of burgling BBC Television Centre in White City and is said to have targeted the offices of retailer The White Company and media agency Publicis within the complex.

He appeared at Westminster Magistrates' Court on Thursday ( 17 March) to deny all the charges alongside his 13-year-old brother, who is accused of involvement in three of the burglaries.

The 12-year-old from west London faces 15 charges – 14 counts of burglary and one count of conspiracy to commit burglary between April 2021 and February 2022.

His brother is charged with four counts – three of burglary between September 2021 and February 2022 and one of conspiring to commit burglary between April 2021 and February 2022.

An adult co-defendant, Shane McCarthy, 19, also appeared in court facing 11 charges, consisting of nine counts of burglary, one of theft and one of conspiracy to commit burglary between April 2021 and February 2022. He also denies all charges.

Magistrate Alan Elias sent McCarthy's case to Isleworth Crown Court on April 14 and released him on unconditional bail.

Prosecutor Jonathan Bryan, argued that the boys' cases should not be sent to Crown Court alongside McCarthy's because of "the disparity in their age" and their "limited" criminal record.

Adel Buckingham, defending, welcomed the prosecution's submission to separate the cases.

She said the young brothers both have special needs and "their age and lack of maturity are both important factors to consider".

"It is important that they are not overwhelmed and can meaningfully take part in their trial," she added.

Elias said: "Having listened to both parties, we are convinced that in the interest of justice this should be separated and there should be a trial in youth court."

He added: "The other thing, lads, is that you need to stay out of trouble, really stay out of trouble until then, do you understand?"

The magistrate released the two boys until March 28 when they will appear at Highbury Corner Youth Court.

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