WHEN a teenager made a provocative remark to another boy he found himself the subject of a vicious attack in a classroom while the teacher was present.

On Tuesday morning a 15-year-old boy appeared before magistrates sitting as a youth court in Swindon where he pleaded guilty to assaulting the 16-year-old boy by beating. He was jointly charged with a 14-year-old boy of the offence, who also appeared in court after being produced from a youth detention centre who also pleaded guilty to the charge. Both boys had family members present in court for the hearing.

A third boy involved in the violent attack was previously dealt with by way of a youth caution. None of the boys involved in the offence can be named due to a court order protecting their identities.

The court heard from crown prosecutor Pauline Lambert that events had unfolded at a school in Swindon on March 7 of this year. She explained how the school teacher had been in the classroom with three pupils when a group of four boys came into the classroom who were not part of that class.

“One of them stood by the door, closing it behind them and standing in front of it,” said Ms Lambert. “They stood around the injured party, crowding him. The teacher asked what was going on and informed them they were in the wrong classroom.

“The teacher went to go and get help but when he got to the door the youth stood in his way and indicated he wouldn’t be letting him out. The teacher could see that one of the youth’s was working himself up, pacing backwards and forwards.”

The 15-year-old then used both of his clenched fists to hit the 16-year-old several times to the upper part of his body, before dragging him onto the floor. Lying on top of him he continued to hit him with both fists. The teacher tried to pull the boy off, but he was found to be too strong.

The 14-year-old then became involved and began kicking the 16-year-old. “He did so three or four times, in the same way you would kick a football,” said Ms Lambert. “The teacher ran to the door and the boy stood blocking the door looked shocked. Another teacher then came to help. They tried to pull the lads apart but it still went on. The whole incident lasted about five minutes.”

The third youth, who received a youth conditional caution for his part in the fight, threw five punches to the victim’s back.

Defending the 14-year-old Richard Williams explained his client was currently serving time on a detention order, but was due to be released at the end of next week. He said his client accepted responsibility for what he had done and did not wish to point the finger.

Defending the 15-year-old, Terence McCarthy said: “It seems there is some history with the injured party and on that day there was some discussion which started light hearted as I understand it, then something provocative was said and my client lost his temper.”

After hearing of the boy’s intended future careers as a barber and security guard, the magistrates retired to consider their sentences.

The 15-year-old was sentenced to a referral order, while the 14-year-old was also given a referral order, which will see his curfew upon release extended by two weeks, meaning he must be at home between 8pm and 7am.

The magistrates made no order for compensation, although the boys’ parents must each pay a £15 victim surcharge.