A VANDAL from Bolton has been sentenced after he and others launched a "disgraceful" attack on a busy tram.

The 17-year-old, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was one of a group of three who smashed windows on a stationary tram and forcing travellers to take cover on the floor of the carriage.

He admitted violent disorder and was sentenced at Manchester Crown Court today.

Detective Constable Mark Ledger, from GMP's City of Manchester team, said: "The trio showed a complete disregard for the public's safety during this prolonged mindless act of vandalism. 

"There is no justification or explanation for their behaviour which placed terrified innocent people in danger while they were simply making their way home. 

"The stones were thrown with such force it smashed through reinforced windows whilst one resident thought the loud bangs were gun shots. 

"Some passengers were left so shaken by the incident they were unable to use the tram network for months afterwards."

The Bolton News:

The Bolton boy was loitering with a 21-year-old man and a 17-year-old on the platform of St Werburgh's Metrolink stop in Chorlton on July 3 last year at 11.30pm.

A tram bound for Manchester Airport pulled in and the three fought with an alighting passenger. 

After kicking the tram and hurling abuse at passengers, the offenders split up. 

From their various positions the trio pelted stones at a second tram that had drawn up. 

Its passengers, including an elderly couple, had to cower as some of the stones smashed windows around them. 

The 17-year-old from Bolton was given an 18-month youth rehabilitation order which includes a four-month curfew. 

Transport for Greater Manchester's Metrolink director Peter Cushing said afterwards: "The scenes that unfolded at St Werburgh’s Road that evening were nothing short of disgraceful. 

"Passengers came under attack by three mindless individuals, while one of our vehicles was extensively damaged. 

"The fact no one was seriously injured was more by chance than design."