A TEENAGER who intervened when police tried to arrest his brother appeared before magistrates himself yesterday.

The 16-year-old, who cannot be identified for legal reasons, pleaded guilty to resisting a police officer and breaching a conditional discharge when he appeared at South Durham Youth Court, in Darlington. A charge of affray was dropped.

James Thomas, prosecuting, said the youth had become agitated after police entered his home in Darlington last October and tried to handcuff his brother because they had a warrant for his arrest.

Stephen Andrews, mitigating, said the boy had been watching television in his boxer shorts with his brother and mother when police entered the house.

"He put up a bit of a struggle, nothing more, nothing less," Mr Andrews said.

His brother had since been sectioned, the court heard.

Magistrates gave the youth a six-month conditional discharge.