A TEENAGER was warned he has had his “last chance” after walking free from court for the second time following an act of violence.

Durham Crown Court heard that in both cases Nathan Alan Corkhill caused injuries, having been summoned to help sort out other people’s “problems”.

In the latest incident he received a call from a friend on behalf of another youth who claimed to have been taunted while waiting to see his girlfriend off on a bus.

The court heard Corkhill, who had been drinking, turned up at the bus station, in Seaham, in an apparently “agitated” mood, and punched one of the youths who was believed to have been issuing the taunts.

Adrian Dent, prosecuting, said the 16-year-old victim, who felt there had been no provocation at all, was knocked to the ground.

He was taken to Sunderland Royal Hospital suffering a bruised and swollen face, but also with several “loosened” teeth, which had to be supported with the insertion of metal wires.

Mr Dent told the court that despite further surgery at Newcastle Royal Victoria Infirmary’s dental hospital, “the prognosis does not seem good”, with the likelihood three prominent front teeth will ‘die’, leaving a risk of infection and the need for on-going treatment.

“He felt his injuries were ‘horrible and disgusting’, and he has suffered a major loss of confidence because of this, becoming nervous when he goes out.

“He still feels the attack was totally unprovoked.

“He was walking with a friend to the bus station when the next thing he knew he was attacked.

“He’s been on pain killers and has had to eat soft food, with the potential for long-term cosmetic consequences.”

Corkhill, of Beech Crescent, Parkside, Seaham, now 19, but 18 at the time of the attack on June 2, admitted inflicting grievous bodily harm.

The court heard he previously received a police warning for assault and has a previous conviction for causing grievous bodily harm, in similar circumstances, when he stepped in to “assist” on someone else’s behalf, for which he received a referral order.

Thomas Laffey, mitigating, said the author of his probation pre-sentence report referred to Corkhill as, “a pleasant and polite young man, with good personal skills.”

“He, unfortunately, got himself involved in someone’s else’s dispute and it was exacerbated by the fact he'd been drinking.

“The difficulties arise when there’s alcohol on board.

“He’s very distressed about the situation he has caused this young man, his family and himself.”

Imposing a 12-month prison sentence, suspended for two years, Judge Robert Adams told Corkhill: “What’s worrying is the use of violence to sort out other people’s problems.

“You have anger management issues, particularly when you are in drink.

“You have, however, demonstrated remorse and you’re still a young man, so consider this a last chance.”

Corkhill must also perform 150-hours’ unpaid work and was made subject of a two-month 7pm - 7am home curfew.