A TEENAGER attacked another man because of an air rifle incident, a court heard yesterday.

Jamie Spence, 18, of Alwyn Road, Darlington, admitted affray against a man, at South Durham Magistrates' Court.

A 16-year-old boy from the town, who cannot be named for legal reasons, also pleaded guilty to a charge of affray.

Paul Hunter, prosecuting, said the pair were part of a group who approached a man in the street on October 1 and rained punches on his head.

He suffered superficial injuries.

Spence told police the man had previously shot at one of them with an air rifle.

Michael Rayner, mitigating for Spence, said his client came to the aid of his 16-year-old friend after he became involved in a fight with the man.

Spence was given a six-month conditional discharge and the 16-year-old was given a six-month referral order.

Both were ordered by the court to pay £25 compensation to the man.