Rioter, 11, is arrested for shoplifting

London's youngest rioter has been arrested for shoplifting just days after he was told by a judge: "You can't get away with this behaviour."

The 11-year-old looter, who cannot be named, was given an 18-month rehabilitation order for stealing a £50 bin during the disorder last month.

But just six days later he was arrested again for theft and common assault at the Liberty shopping centre, Romford.

He appeared at Havering magistrates court on September 7 and admitted the theft but denied the assault. He was bailed to appear again in November.

When he appeared before Judge John Woollard the youngster, from Romford, was urged to turn his life around and told his behaviour could land him in jail.

Judge Woollard said: "You seem to think that nobody can stop the way you behave. You need to understand very clearly that you can't get away with committing offences of this nature."

Romford MP Andrew Rosindell said today: "He needs a short, sharp shock to prevent him committing more serious crimes at an older age."

On August 3 the boy was placed on a 10-month referral order at Highbury Corner youth court after admitting arson, criminal damage and carrying a knife after he had boarded a 147 bus in July and caused £600 damage.

The court heard the boy was the son of a convicted criminal whom he sees as a role model. On the day of the riot he was on his way home from a visit to his father when he saw the riot developing in Romford town centre.

Johann Rainbird, prosecuting, said: "The boy was seen to bend down in front of the Debenhams window, which was already smashed, stick his arms out and remove a bin then run off with an officer giving chase. He said, 'I was just taking it out to hand to somebody else, sir'."