A TEENAGER narrowly avoided being locked up after he pleaded guilty to assaulting a man for his baseball cap.

A court heard he had drunk a litre of cider before attacking the man in Millbank Road, Darlington, on October 1.

The 15-year-old appeared before District Judge Michael Wood at Darlington Youth Court on Friday.

The youth had denied any involvement in the incident and blamed his friends when first questioned by police.

Sheila Moore, prosecuting, said: "The 19-year-old victim was walking along Millbank Road when he saw a group of teenagers. The group started to follow him and this is when he quickened his pace and tried to walk away.

"One of the group caught up with him and asked him for a cigarette, but he said he didn't have any. The victim was trying to look ahead as he walked away and did not make eye contact with any of them."

The youth punched the man in the back of his head, causing him to lose his balance and he fell against a wall. He then hit him again in the head. His baseball cap fell to the ground and the youth picked it up.

Ms Moore said: "The victim turned to say something about getting his cap back, but as he did so one of the other youths put a lit cigarette against his face.

"The group then left and headed towards a block of shops and the victim returned home and reported the assault to the police."

Two officers patrolling the area spotted the gang and noticed a cap one of them was wearing fitted the description of the one stolen.

Mitigating, Steven Andrews said: "The alcohol played a large part in this assault.

"The defendant doesn't drink, but being amongst a group spurred him on."

Mr Wood told the youth: "This was an horrific assault and I was considering sending you to prison. The only reason I haven't is because this is your first court appearance."

The youth was given a nine-month referral order. He must pay £100 in compensation to the victim and £55 costs.