A STABLE lad with a nervous tic who stabbed his tormentor walked free from a court yesterday.

James Roberts, 18, knifed Christopher Chambers, 19, in the hand and leg after a drinking session in Middleham, North Yorkshire.

Roberts was using the knife to cut an apple when the fight began, said Graham Gaston, defending, at Teesside Crown Court.

Judge Peter Fox QC told Roberts: "I am satisfied you were being goaded on account of your tic, which I am assured should improve if not disappear."

Robert's employer, James Bethel, of Middleham, told the judge: "He is a good rider and I think he has a career as a jockey."

Roberts of Maythorne, Leyburn, was put on probation for three years after he pleaded guilty to the unlawful wounding on March 10, and damaging three windows.

The judge told him: "I am told you may have a bright future. Go and seize it with both hands."

Ray Wilkinson, a social worker with Racing Welfare in Middleham, gave evidence that Roberts had settled down very well, and that others involved in the incident had moved on.

The judge said: "It is very reassuring to hear of an industry which takes such care and interest in its trainees."