A group of eight teenagers who were behind a 13-month crime wave in the north of Scotland have been sent to the High Court for sentence.

Sheriff Kenneth Forbes told Elgin Sheriff Court he did not believe he had adequate sentencing powers to deal with the youngsters.

The youths committed 91 offences in Elgin and Lossiemouth, including car theft, house breaking, vandalism and assault between January 2001 and March 2002.

They were in court on Friday to hear depute fiscal Sharon Ralph take over three hours to describe their crimes.

The youths smirked during their appearance

As the offences were detailed, the youths, aged between 14 and 19, smirked and joked with each other.

Sheriff Forbes said: "The feature which has struck me is the degree of association between all of you."

The sheriff, who has the power to impose a maximum prison sentence of three years, was praised by police and community leaders over his decision to refer the case upwards.

The majority of offences were committed by two or more of the teenagers.

The court was told Kris Orton, 16, committed the most serious offences - robbery, assault on two pensioners and a threat to petrol bomb the home of a sheriff.

Orton's lawyer claimed the teenager had a drink problem which started at the age of nine, adding: "He drinks every day while at liberty".

Bruce Scott, 16, admitted a total of 16 charges, most in connection with vehicles, including theft, intent to steal, driving without a licence and without insurance.

Possession of a knife

A 14-year-old, who can not be named for legal reasons, committed a total of 32 offences, the majority of which were break-ins, attempted break-ins, theft and attempted theft of vehicles.

Sean Young, 16, admitted seven charges, including break-ins, theft and vandalism.

Bryan McNeill, 16, admitted six charges, including break-ins, breach of the peace and possession of a knife.

Hugh Wilson, 17, admitted three charges, including possession of a knife.

William Christie, 16, admitted 10 charges, including assault and robbery, vandalism, break-in and theft.

The police welcomed the sheriff's move

Calum Wilson, 19, admitted only one of the 91 charges - breaking into a house in Lossiemouth and stealing 16 computer games, 12 bottles of alcohol, 25 CDs, 11 DVDs, a Playstation, hi-fi and �40.

Sheriff Forbes said: "I can make no distinction between the rest of you and, like Orton, will be remitted to the High Court for sentence."

A date has yet to be fixed. Four of the teenagers were remanded in custody, while the other four were bailed.

Northern Constabulary Inspector David Small, based in Elgin, said: "There was a lot of man hours spent on this inquiry.

"Obviously the sheriff does not feel he has the powers to hand down a sentence applicable to the seriousness of the offences.

'Act as a lesson'

"It is gratifying that these individuals have appeared before the sheriff and that he deems it serious enough to pass down to the High Court."

Roma Hossack, chairwoman of Elgin Community Council, said she was delighted with the sheriff's decision.

She said: "It is about time individuals who commit such crimes are dealt with seriously.

"People in the community have had it up to here with vandalism, car crimes, thefts and assaults."

She added: "I hope this will act as a lesson to other youngsters who are bent on acts of vandalism and assault."