charged with the destruction of four cars by fire, theft and attempted theft.

Donald Gilbert Aitken of Knapton Hill denied damaging the cars and stealing $2,745 in private property from them between January 11 and 14.

Aitken also pleaded not guilty to a separate charge of trespassing. He will be tried for this offence at the same time as the others.

His lawyer, Mr. Tim Marshall, said an outstanding $300 fine -- for which an arrest warrant was issued -- will be paid by next week.

Because of the seriousness of the charges, Senior Magistrate the Wor. Will Francis set bail at $2,000 with two like sureties, and said Aitken must surrender all travel documents and report to the Hamilton Police Station once a week. The teenager will also be under a midnight to 6 a.m. curfew.