A teenager with an otherwise spotless criminal record has escaped a more severe punishment after magistrates heard how he'd 'turned a corner'. 

The 14-year-old, who cannot be named for legal reasons, appeared at a Swindon Youth Court hearing accused with assault by beating and two counts of ABH, which happened during an incident in Royal Wootton Bassett on December 14.

The youth, who pleaded guilty, was said to have engaged in a fight and to have been  headbutting and punching, to which the magistrate said: "That was not the best way to deal with the situation."

When asked, he added that he had seen the victim again who was at times deliberately antagonising him, but he has learned to 'walk away'. 

His dad added: "He's massively turned a corner, we now have coping mechanisms in place and we understand what his triggers are, and we are working closely with others."

He was sentenced with a Youth Justice Referral order lasting for five months, where he will work with the local Youth Justice Service and sign a contract he must abide by going forward, which will involve attending meetings among other things. 

"You've been given a chance now," the magistrate added.