A TEENAGER punched a supermarket worker in the face before returning the next day and threatening to kill the store's security guard.

When he was told he was barred from the Morrison's store, in Darlington's North Road, the 16-year-old left, but smashed his fist through one of the windows on his way out.

The youth, who cannot be named for legal reasons, appeared before magistrates at Darlington Youth Court yesterday.

He pleaded guilty to one charge of assault on January 26, one of criminal damage on January 27, and one public order offence on January 12.

Rachel Masters, prosecuting, said the boy was seen with a large group of teenagers outside Morrison's on a Friday night.

When the group was asked to move on by a store worker and security guard, the boy refused to leave and became abusive.

"He was jumping up and down on the staff member's toes, and then punched him above the eye," said Ms Masters.

"He then pushed him to the floor.

"The day after, the security guard approached the defendant in the store and told him to leave because he was barred.

"He became abusive and started shouting, 'I will get you, I will kill you.' He then punched the door window and smashed it."

In mitigation, Claire Brinton, said: "The defendant loses his temper, that's something we can tackle with him. He has a difficult home life at the moment.

"At 16 years old, he needs to grow up, take more responsibility, and stop bringing himself to court for cases like this."

The court heard that the incidents took place while the teenager was serving a supervision order for a previous offence.

Magistrates decided to impose a new supervision order, and ordered the teenager to work with the local youth offending team.