A TEENAGER has been warned he may be locked up after sending a text message encouraging others to take part in the riots.

The 16-year-old from South Ockendon was arrested after he forwarded a message on the Blackberry messaging service urging his friends to cause “mayhem”.

It read: “I know most hoodies don’t get along, but make an exception and link up in Aveley, Grays, West Thurrock, Romford, Black- shots, Tilbury, Ockenden and Hornchurch. Let’s cause mayhem. Keep this BC (broadcast) going.”

The court heard how the youngster, who cannot be named for legal reasons, received the message on Tuesday, and forwarded it on to his friends using Blackberry Messen- ger.

Someone who was sent the message then tipped off police and he was arrested at home that evening.

Susanne Stringer, prosecuting, said the boy had never been in trouble with police before and had acted foolishly.

She said: “He has no previous convictions, reprimands or final warnings. He has not come to the attention of police before this incident.

“I am sure you are aware of what has been going on in the public domain by watching the news etc. It has been in the news that a lot of these incidents have been organised by social networking sites. He said he didn’t think the message was serious or his friends would take it seriously.

“Under the circumstances, it is perhaps foolish rather than sinister.”

The court heard how the boy, who pleaded guilty to sending the message, is waiting for his GCSE results and hoped to go on to study at college.

Alan Hurst, mitigating, said: “We live in difficult and emotional times. The disgraceful riots are on our TV screens every day and naturally people are concerned.

“Perhaps in other times it would be a case of being dealt with very differently.

“He appears to be a good student, in every way almost a model young man. He just sent it on without thinking what the consequences would be if that message got into the wrong hands.”

Magistrate Linda Young, adjourned the case for reports, but said sentencing options were being considered.

She said: “The bench consider this to be a very serious offence indeed.”

He was released on bail until Tuesday, August 30.