A pensioner could face jail after he admitted stabbing a schoolboy outside his home.

Frank Morton denied wounding the 14-year-old with intent to cause him serious harm, but admitted the lesser charge of unlawful wounding during a hearing at Newcastle Crown Court yesterday.

No details of the attack were given during the short hearing, but it is believed the teenager suffered an injury to his chest during the incident outside the 66-year-old's home in Lake Avenue, South Shields, South Tyneside, on March 24.

It is understood the pensioner, who entered his plea with the help of a sign-language interpreter, and his elderly wife had been complaining of problems with local youths in the area near their home.

Mr Recorder Alistair McDonald called for pre-sentence reports before Morton learns his fate. He said: "That is very important, particularly in the case of someone who has reached your age without any convictions."

Morton was granted bail until September 21.

Judge McDonald warned him: "I have to make it clear to you the fact I'm adjourning for reports does not mean that I have any sentence in mind.

"All options will be available to the judge that deals with you."