A SCHOOLBOY was ordered to stay away from a former teacher after he went to her home and threatened to shoot her and harm her baby daughter, a court was told.

James Thomas, prosecuting, told Darlington Youth Court: "The boy said, 'I know where you and your baby live'.

"He put two fingers to his head and made what she said were gun noises. That incident left her shocked, very angry and very concerned for her safety and her family and for her property."

The 13-year-old, who cannot be named for legal reasons, had pleaded not guilty to using threatening behaviour against the teacher.

But he was found guilty of the charge at an earlier hearing and was sentenced yesterday.

The boy, from Darlington, was given a two-year restraining order to stay away from the teacher, her baby daughter, the teacher's mother and their property.

The court heard that three times during one week last September he went to his teacher's house and threatened her. Mr Thomas said she had sometimes had to restrain the boy at school.

He added: "She was wary of him and certainly there was one occasion where he attended school with a weapon. She was aware he had attacked other people at school."

The first time he went to her house, he knocked on the door then ran off.

On the second occasion, he kicked at her door, before making the gun threat.

The third time he went to her house - when she was with her daughter and mother - she called the police.

Graham Hunsley said in mitigation: "Once he was spoken to by police there was no repetition for the many months since."

He said the boy had since moved schools.

Chairman of the magistrates Denness Garraway said: "It is quite shocking when you see a 13-year-old here for the type of offences you are here for."

The boy was also given a three-month action order, with community-based work, and ordered to pay £50 costs.

His father was also given a six-month parenting order.