A teenager caught trying to snatch jewellery from a store during the recent unrest was spared a spell behind bars after a defence solicitor said it would not benefit the victim or the public. The 16-year-old appeared at Manchester magistrates’ court. Defending the teenager, Ian Johnstone said it beggared belief why his client chose to get involved in the looting, adding: “If he goes into custody he will associate with much more sophisticated criminals.”