A SCHOOLBOY responsible for an appalling "catalogue of anti social behaviour" has started a six month term of detention.

The 15-year-old, who had flouted opportunities given to him by the court, sobbed as Recorder Alistair Webster QC said: "We will protect the public. We hope when you come out, you will have learned your lesson."

The judge said the bench could have no trust in the teenager who had been given chance after chance. He should have gone to cusody for 12 months, but the court was being lenient.

The youth, from Barnoldswick, had been committed for sentence by magistrates after being convicted of damaging property, two counts of assault, burglary, handling stolen goods and failing to surrender. The judge ordered he should not be named.

Burnley Crown Court heard the boy, also in breach in a conditional discharge for an offence carried out when he was 14, had been "out drinking" and bullied his way into a teenager's home.

He put the victim in fear, searched the house and stole a watch and some money. When the teenager tried to remonstrate with the defendant, he threw a bottle at the "terrified" youngster.

Police found stolen goods at the schoolboy's home and then the defendant decided to take "the law into his own hands". He accused the boy of being a grass and attacked him. He then went on to commit an assault for " no reason" on another young boy. The schoolboy headbutted and kneed him in the face.

Robert Crawford, defending, said the defendant had been responsible for "bullying which got out of hand". He had had a disastrous last 12-18 months at school and was now taking his year 11 again. His parents were very distressed and concerned about his behaviour and it had been made clear to him no court would tolerate this sort of behaviour. He was not insolent and aggressive and was now rather subdued and afraid.

The defendant could not complain if he was sent to custody. The court may feel that the schoolboy had "burned his boats" and had his last opportunity. The boy's "devil may care" attitude and bravado had got out of hand.

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