A policeman's stepson who mugged three young boys walked free from court yesterday thanks to his own efforts to reform his life.

The sixteen-year-old Darlington boy, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was drunk when he robbed three 14-year-olds in the street, Teesside Crown Court was told.

But after the arrest and with a court appearance pending, the teenager took drastic action.

Nick Morrison, mitigating, told the court the youth imposed a curfew on himself, quit alcohol and ditched his old friends.

Judge Recorder Neil Davey decided to give him a second chance.

He praised the boy and his parents for their efforts since the "terrifying and upsetting" muggings, which he said had merited a custodial sentence when they occurred seven months ago.

As the family left, the judge said: "Good luck to you all."

The teenager, who is now working, targeted the boys at 9.10 pm as they left a shop on Longfield Road, Darlington.

He walked up to them and asked if they had any cigarettes, said Kate Dodds, prosecuting. When they attempted to walk away, he grabbed one boy in a headlock and threatened to ram his head through a car window unless they handed over their belongings.

The youngsters told police they recognised their attacker from school, and picked him out in an identification parade.

Mr Morrison said the teenager was full of remorse and took immediate steps to change his life with help from his mother and his stepfather.

The judge said: "What a refreshing change it is to see parents of a youngster who finds himself in trouble coming to court with such splendid support."

The teenager pleaded guilty to three robberies involving a mobile telephone and 69p in cash on 30 August last year.

He was given a 12-month supervision order with a six-month intensive supervision and surveillance programme, and was ordered to pay £79.99 compensation.