A SCHOOLBOY who assaulted his teacher in the classroom has been given a last chance to behave.

The 13-year-old, who cannot be named for legal reasons, appeared before magistrates in Newton Aycliffe, County Durham, yesterday.

Ciaran Grogan, prosecuting, told the court the assault happened in a Darlington school on May 25.

He said the youngster had been fine in the morning, but his mood had changed by lunchtime when he started shouting at classmates.

He was told to calm down, which he did, but ran out of the room a few minutes later.

When he returned he was told to sit still for 30 minutes, but refused and began throwing objects and tried to climb out of a window.

Mr Grogan said his teacher had blocked the exit to the room and added: "He started to punch and kick her using all of his force, using both fists and feet.

"She was shaken, but tried to defend herself and used an arm block technique taught by the school."

Another member of staff held the teenager down until he became calm, but Mr Grogan said the teacher was left feeling "angry and frustrated" by the incident.

The teenager apologised to his teacher the following day and made full admissions to police, although he did not accept he threw any punches.

Michael Clarke, defending, said his client suffered from attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and schizophrenia. He was receiving treatment from a psychologist, but on the day in question he had not taken his lunchtime medication.

Mr Clarke, who said the youngster had expressed great remorse, said: "He has very much a split personality. He can be fine one minute, but once his behaviour deteriorates he loses control."

Chairman of the bench Barbara Cater said the youngster had come very near to being locked up.

Instead, magistrates imposed a two-year supervision order, with a condition of a 24- hour rehabilitation order.

He was also ordered to observe a curfew for three months and to pay £75 compensation to his teacher.

After the sentence had been passed, the youngster said: "I won't do it again."