A BOY who was involved in a fight with a 61-year-old man yesterday pleaded guilty to his part in the incident.

Darlington Youth Court heard how the 16-year-old had exchanged blows with Joe Cunningham, after he saw the man staring at him.

The brawl, in Trimdon, in October last year, involved numerous youths and left Mr Cunningham needing hospital treatment.

The court heard how Mr Cunningham headbutted the boy, who reacted by punching him, and a fight broke out. Several other boys joined in.

The youth, who cannot be named for legal reasons, pleaded guilty to affray, and was given a six-month referral order. He was also ordered to pay £50 compensation and £75 costs.

Ciaran Grogan, prosecuting, said the youth was standing in the street with a friend when he saw Mr Cunningham staring.

"He went towards Mr Cunningham in his car, and he got out to remonstrate with the youth," he said.

"What happened next was started by Mr Cunningham, but the defendant accepts he went way beyond what was necessary to defend himself."

A group of youths who witnessed what was happening joined the fight, although Mr Grogan said there was nothing to suggest the defendant played any part after the initial fight, and his father arrived to take him home.

Laura Saunders-Jerrom, mitigating, said Mr Cunningham had headbutted the boy twice.

"He knows he should have known better than to become involved like he did, and will take his punishment, but the other chap does not come out of this squeaky clean."

Magistrate Harry Fletcher said: "You are one of the smartest lads we have seen here for a long time, but you admitted you went a bit beyond reasonable."