A TEENAGER who pelted firefighters with stones has avoided being sent to prison after breaking the terms of his community punishment.

The 16-year-old, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was part of a group of youths who attacked firefighters and swore at them as they tackled a wheelie bin fire in Shackleton Grove, Johnson Fold, at 3.15am on Saturday, February 28.

He admitted causing public disorder but denied throwing stones — but he was found guilty by Bolton magistrates.

In May the boy was sentenced to a 12-month youth rehabilitation order with intensive supervision and surveillance, and was ordered to comply with a three-month curfew from 7pm and 7am.

But yesterday he appeared at Bolton Youth Court for failing to attend an appointment with the youth offending team on July 4 and for failing to comply with his curfew on August 17.

The court heard the teenager had previously unplugged the box which monitors his electronic curfew. The breach of the curfew happened after he had an argument with his girlfriend, the court was told.

He was said to have left the house at about 12.30am and returned at about 3am. He left the house later that morning when he was not permitted to.

Peter Leather, defending, said: “He has kept a considerable number of appointments. He had fallen out with his girlfriend over the telephone.

“He became depressed and low. He left the house to cool his mind and get some air. There has been no further offending.”

The boy told magistrates he was sorry for the breaches and would comply in future. He said he wanted to become a mechanic.

Sandra Sherrington, chairman of the bench, said: “We have decided very generously to allow this order to continue. We are hoping you have learned your lesson. If you breach an order you know what happens now. It’s a serious position.

“Carry on with the appointments and your curfew and get this order completed and then you can carry on with your future. This is no place for a young man like yourself.”