The 15-year-old youth was charged by police with stealing offences, and became hooked on “chroming”, or inhaling sprays and solvents from aerosol cans.

The youth, who cannot be named, appeared in Orange Local Court on Thursday, accompanied by his mother, over charges relating to thefts that occurred in Orange in August last year.

“This family, who also have other children, have thrown their efforts behind their son,” the boy’s solicitor Rebecca McIlveen said.

“He attributes his behaviour to a specific time in his life when he was involved in drugs.”

In her client’s defence, Ms McIlveen said the boy had taken the unusual step of completing a program with the Ted Noffs Foundation to help him get back on track.

“He’s not a lazy kid, according to his mother, and he is ashamed of his actions,” Ms McIlveen told the court.

The boy pleaded guilty to the charges.

In handing down the sentence magistrate Terry Lucas told the boy to stand.

“What do you want to say for yourself? What do I do with you?” Mr Lucas asked the teenager.

“It’s all been a waste of time,” the teenager replied, referring to his crime spree.

Ms McIlveen said her client hoped to re-enrol at school and get involved in rugby league again.

Mr Lucas sentenced the teenager to a suspended 12-month control order.

He will also be under the supervision of Juvenile Justice for the next year.