Teens in court for theft 'steal phone money'

Two teenagers in court for theft, allegedly tried to steal money from a pay phone while waiting for their matter to be heard in Darwin.

Police said the 17-year-old males went to the upper level of the Northern Territory Supreme Court during an adjournment where they found a blue payphone.

The teenagers allegedly succeeded in removing the coin box from the phone and attempted to steal it but were caught on CCTV and security intervened.

The presiding judge - who was to hear evidence before sentencing the pair on a separate charge of stealing - was told about the incident and reviewed the footage.

He adjourned the matter and remanded the teenagers in custody until January 25 whilst the new matter was investigated.

An 18-year-old male also involved with the pay phone incident was taken to the Darwin Watch House where he was later charged with stealing and bailed to appear in the Darwin Magistrates Court on February 5.

- AAP