A TEENAGER who threatened police with wood and a beer bottle as he breached a court order has escaped a Christmas jail term.
He was on licence from a custodial sentence imposed earlier this year and it was the second time he had breached the court order.
But after the youth pleaded to keep his new job and show he could go straight, he was put under curfew and partially allowed to keep his liberty. Justices told him he had come "extremely close" to going back into custody.
The Evening Press cannot report the nature of the court order because that would breach a ruling made by the justices regarding reporting of the case.
The youth must stay within his home on the north side of York from 5pm every day throughout the festive period from December 22 to New Year's Day inclusive. He must also be indoors from 5pm every weekend and from 8pm on Fridays from now until April 28. In addition, he has to pay £29.97 compensation and £120 court costs.
The youth admitted unlawful violence, breaching the court order, interfering with a car on October 7, stealing cans of lager worth £27.97 from Jacksons supermarket and attempting to steal cash from Lloyds Chemist. All the offences were in the northern part of York when he was with other teenagers.
He pleaded guilty to all offences at a previous hearing.
Valerie McMinn, prosecuting, told York Youth Court that just after 7am police saw the 17-year-old leaning into a red Cavalier which had smashed front windows.
He fled but returned carrying a full bottle of beer and threatened the police. As he drew back his arm, apparently to throw the bottle, police used CS spray on him and he ran off.
Again he returned, this time with a long piece of wood which he used to threaten officers. They eventually arrested him despite his violent struggles.
John Howard, defending, said the youth had a long list of previous convictions, but had got a job and done his best to go straight since his arrest.
The youth told the court: "I feel bad about being in court again, I feel that this job has turned my life around. I'm sorry for the trouble I've caused the court today.
"I like my job. I think it's a good job, and it's that that's kept me out of trouble since these crimes."
His father said he had seen a big change in the youth.
Updated: 11:13 Wednesday, December 19, 2001
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