A MAN accused of being a former school bully was left with a perforated ear drum after being attacked in the centre of Ely by an alleged victim, magistrates heard this week. Oliver Lingard was punched twice in the head and then kicked in the leg by a 17-y

A MAN accused of being a former school bully was left with a perforated ear drum after being attacked in the centre of Ely by an alleged victim, magistrates heard this week.

Oliver Lingard was punched twice in the head and then kicked in the leg by a 17-year-old.

"He used to bully me, he used to bully everyone," the teenager claimed at Ely youth court on Thursday.

"He started to provoke me, saying he remembered chucking my shoes out of the bus window, and I got wound up."

The Ely teenager - who cannot be named for legal reasons - admitted assaulting Mr Lingard on April 19, and possessing a small amount of cannabis.

A second 17-year-old from Ely admitted head-butting Mr Lingard during the same incident; the whole event was captured on CCTV cameras.

Prosecuting, Francesca Devine said police first spotted Mr Lingard being head-butted in Market Street around 3am, and officers chased his attacker. The 17-year-old responsible, who admitted having drunk alcohol, later explained he was issuing a warning to Mr Lingard "to leave it out," because he was told of the alleged bullying.

The second teenager, who claimed to be a former victim, was caught on CCTV as he punched and kicked Mr Lingard. He accused Mr Lingard of teasing him that night in front of friends.

Representing both teenagers, solicitor David Stewart said: "Both expressed remorse when interviewed by police.

"There was I suppose a small element of provocation, words were exchanged and some goading went on."

After the attack, Mr Lingard was taken to hospital, where staff said he was aggressive and angry.

Both teenagers were ordered to pay £50 compensation. The teenager responsible for the head-butt was given a three-month referral order and told to pay £50 costs.

The 17-year-old who delivered the punches and kick was given a three month action plan order, and his cannabis will be forfeited and destroyed.