A TEENAGER punched a man outside shops in Darlington with a gang of youths, a court heard yesterday.
The 16-year-old had been with his girlfriend selling music tapes to a group of teenagers in Burnside Road when an altercation took place with a man, Darlington Youth Court was told.
Derek Walton, prosecuting, said the teenager, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was seen on CCTV punching the man after he came out of the shop.
Chris Bunting, defending, said his client had been provoked because the man kicked him in the back of the legs.
He said there had been an earlier argument between the man and the youths, which had not involved his client.
"There is a suggestion that there had been a previous problem with the injured party - his son had been harassed by youths that evening," said Mr Bunting.
The teenager admitted using threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour with intent to cause harassment, alarm or distress.
He was given a 12 month conditional discharge, plus £35 costs.
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