A BOY hit back with his fists after another youngster insulted his dead grandmother, Swindon Youth Court heard.

The 13-year-old faced up to his young adversary on a footpath between Eldene and Covingham. The boy, who cannot be named because he is under18, yelled: “What’s this I hear about you talking about my dead grandmother?”

He punched the boy several times. A friend, 15, then ran at the victim and struck him once in the back of the head.

The stricken youngster fell to the floor and blacked out.

Appearing before Swindon Youth Court, both boys pleaded guilty to assault by beating.

Emma Thacker, for the principal aggressor, said her client and the victim had a history. The latter was accused of provoking his attacker by suggesting they fight.

Mark Glendenning, for the other boy, said his client had been standing up for his friend – but now realised he should not have got involved.

Magistrates sentenced the leader to a 12-month youth rehabilitation order, while his friend received an eight month order. JPs ordered £42.50 costs.