A TEENAGER who kicked his friend repeatedly in the head, leaving him requiring surgery, was locked up yesterday.

Christopher Hopwood, 17, of Clynes Road, Grangetown, Teesside, admitted a charge of causing grievous bodily harm with intent to Paul Boyes.

Simon Reevell, prosecuting, told Teesside Crown Court, the pair had been friends for nine years before the attack happened on November 24 last year.

He said the two youngsters had been drinking throughout the evening when they went to Cherry Tree Children's Home, where they visited some people they knew.

It was there, Mr Reevell said, that a member of staff saw Hopwood kick his friend in the head and face while he was lying on the ground. He said Hopwood had kicked Mr Boyes five times.

He said: "The staff member said he thought Hopwood was going to kill him and that he 'just never stopped'."

Mr Boyes had black eyes and was found to have a fracture to his eye socket, which needed surgery.

Robert Terry, for Hopwood, said Mr Boyes had started the fight when the pair had had far too much to drink.

He said his client had been struck first and had a cut on his nose. Mr Terry added that the youngster was sorry for what had happened and said there was hope for the teenager, who was undertaking a construction course at college.

Judge George Moorhouse said the offence was out of character, but said those who were violent could expect a custodial sentence.

He sentenced Hopwood to an 18-month detention and a training order.