A teenage thug who stabbed a student with scissors on the sports field of a Sittingbourne school is facing youth custody.

Robert Harden was remanded in custody after admitting assaulting Alex Betts, pictured left, causing him actual bodily harm.

The 18-year-old, of The Trafalgar Hotel, Rushenden Road, Queenborough, also admitted assaulting his sister Anne Harden, James Whitehead and Jack Sayer.

Maidstone Crown Court heard Harden was annoyed that 17-year-old Alex was in a relationship with his sister Anne.

He had been drinking when he went to Sittingbourne Community College in Swanstree Avenue on March 23 where a charity football match involving teachers and pupils was being played.

Simon Taylor, prosecuting, said Harden walked towards where Alex was sitting with Miss Harden and said: "Oi you. I want ******* you."

He punched Alex three or four times. Miss Harden stepped in and her brother pushed her away and continued to attack Alex. James Whitehead tried to pull Harden away, but was punched.

It was then that Harden pulled out the scissors and stabbed Alex in the left side between his liver and kidneys, said Mr Taylor.

"the boy's a nonce, he should not be going out with my sister..." – robert harden before stabbing alex betts

Jack Sayer tried to help the victim and was also punched. A teacher grabbed the scissors from Harden and put him in a headlock. Another teacher called 999.

Harden shouted: "The boy's a nonce, he should not be going out with my sister."

Mr Taylor said Harden had numerous convictions for violence and had been sentenced to 12 months' detention and training for actual bodily harm.

Refusing bail until sentence on November 23, Judge Charles Byers said: "This is a man who runs amok where people are seeking to have a convivial afternoon watching football.

"This is not a case for a non-custodial sentence. It is a one-man affray with serious aggravating features. He has a long history of offending. One might have to consider dangerousness."

Police at Sittingbourne Community College after Alex Betts was stabbed

The judge said of Alex's injuries: "It is lucky there was not worse damage done."

The school offered counselling to those who witnessed the stabbing at the match, watched by about 100 staff and pupils.

Alex, from Kemsley, Sittingbourne, was treated at Medway Hospital. He later returned to the school for the rescheduled match and was presented with an Arsenal shirt.