Boy Who Intimidated Bus Driver and Fellow Pupils Is Giving Tagging Order

A ROWDY teenager who intimidated his school bus driver and assaulted two fellow pupils was given an electronic tagging order this week. The 15-year-old boy s mother had appealed to Ely Youth Court for help – saying her son s recent behaviour had made her

A ROWDY teenager who intimidated his school bus driver and assaulted two fellow pupils was given an electronic tagging order this week.

The 15-year-old boy's mother had appealed to Ely Youth Court for help - saying her son's recent behaviour had made her ill, she was taking anti-depressants and was worried about his safety.

The youngster had been staying out at night, and was regularly reported missing to the police.

The curfew - keeping the teenager indoors every night between 10pm and 7am - will be electronically monitored, and the boy will have to wear a tag on his ankle or arm.

Prosecuting, Angela Sassoli said the teenager had been abusive to the bus driver over a two-month period, leaving the woman feeling intimidated and scared.

On November 7, he pushed a fellow pupil waiting for the bus, causing a sharp pain and leaving the boy afraid to get on board. Later the same month, the boy spat at a girl on the bus, spittle landing on her face and on her leg.

At an earlier hearing, the teenager had admitted three charges of assault, and one charge of using threatening words or behaviour towards the bus driver.

Solicitor Michael Judkins said the boy realised his behaviour towards the bus driver had been totally wrong, putting her under pressure. "At the time he thought it was fun, he is very sorry about it," he added.

Mr Judkins said the teenager had pushed the schoolboy as a joke, and had since apologised. The girl who was spat upon had dared him, and had egged him on.

The teenager was also given a three-month action plan order, and the court imposed a one-year parenting order.