A TEENAGER'S rounders bat will be destroyed by order of magistrates.

The boy, 17, appeared before Swindon Youth Court this week after being caught in Priory Vale with a metal rounders bat hidden down his trousers.

Police found the weapon when they were called to a disturbance in Redhouse in April. The Swindon teen claimed to be carrying the bat for protection, police said.

The boy, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was given a five month referral order and told to pay £35 costs and a £20 victim surcharge.

Swindon police said that the rounders bat will be destroyed.