by Helen Wagstaff

A teenager who attacked another boy with a metal pole has been given a two year supervision order.

The 14-year-old, who can not be named for legal reasons, admitted beating a 16-year-old boy with the weapon on Swadelands school playing field in Lenham.

Prosecutor Maggie Mitchell told magistrates in Maidstone how the teenager had left the victim, who spent a night in hospital after the attack, with multiple abrasions and bruising. He was also treated for damage to his ears.

A previous hearing heard how one adult witness believed the victim to be dead after seeing him hit at "full force" as he lay screaming in pain on the floor.

Defence counsel Tom Dunn said the 14-year-old was "deeply remorseful" about his actions and said: "If he could turn the clock back he would."

The boy, who brought a bag to court in anticipation of being locked up, said he was very "scared and wary of a custodial sentence."

In sentencing the boy, chairman of the bench Peter May described the two year supervision order as serious punishment, adding: "We feel it is better that you are dealt with and guided under a supervision order for two years rather than a (shorter) custodial sentence.

"This will be a tough two years."

The supervision order will require the boy to attend regular one to one sessions with youth workers who, among other things, will work to understanding of the consequences of his actions. He will also be required to undergo anger management sessions.