A DRUNKEN teenager was spared a jail sentence after kicking a retired teacher and her dog into a river.

Former Durham County footballer Lee Groves, 18, wept as the court heard how he kicked Ann Sutcliffe, 48, into the River Tees, near Blackwell, Darlington.

He also kicked Mrs Sutcliffe's Cairn terrier dog through the air, after it fought with a Rottweiler belonging to a friend.

Sheila Moore, prosecuting, told Darlington Magistrates' Court that Groves, and two friends, met Mrs Sutcliffe and her husband on a Sunday afternoon in May last year.

"The dogs started snapping at each other, and Mr Groves kicked Mrs Sutcliffe's dog very hard, causing it to fly through the air into the water," she said.

"She said to him 'You should not have done that,' and he responded, 'Why? Do you want the same?' before kicking her on the right buttock. She was in the river and only her head was out of the water."

Mrs Sutcliffe, who suffers from severe anxiety disorder after a previous assault by a pupil, was left hysterical, the court heard.

Groves, of Caldwell Green, Darlington, admitted common assault, and was sentenced to a year-long community rehabilitation order. He was also ordered to pay £200 compensation and £55 costs.

Magistrate John Welsh said his actions had been despicable, but that it was clear Groves had reformed his life.

Laura Saunders-Jerrom, mitigating, said Groves had severe family problems at the time. She said: "Since this happened, he has really tried to get his life back on track. He is no longer being led down the path of criminal activity.

"I do not think I have seen a young man show such remorse and such terror, and am confident for his future.