TWO youths involved in a vicious attack on another teenager have a month to wait to learn their fate at court.

Michael Thornton, 18, and 17-year-old Michael Askew appeared at Durham Crown Court yesterday, where they admitted playing a part in last June's assault.

Their victim, then aged 16, suffered a broken jaw in the incident at an area known as The Hill, a focal point for young people, at Ouston, near Chester-le-Street.

The court heard that he was trying to act as peacemaker after a youth he was with came under attack following a row over a packet of cigarettes.

Euan Duff, prosecuting, said: "As with many incidents of violence the situation was confused and there are conflicting accounts.

"The injured party was with a friend when the trouble began.

"It developed and ended with the victim, who was simply trying to keep the peace, being subjected to a serious kicking attack by a number of people, including these two defendants."

Thornton, of Primrose Gardens, Ouston, and Askew, of Brackenbeds Close, Pelton, both denied causing grievous bodily harm with intent, but admitted a less serious charge of inflicting grievous bodily harm.

Mr Duff said: "Having discussed the matter with the injured party, these pleas, on the basis that each took part in a kicking attack, involving others, is accepted by the Crown."

The hearing was adjourned until June 24 for the completion pre-sentence probation reports