A teenager has been given a last chance after telling a judge seven days behind bars taught him a lesson.

Aaron Barnham told District Judge David Cooper he was ready to sort himself out when he admitted twice breaching his anti-social behaviour order (Asbo).

The 15-year-old has breached the order five times since February.

Colchester Magistrates' Court heard he threatened to butt a teacher at Sir Charles Lucas School on November 8.

Ian Elkin, prosecuting, said the teenager had been confronted after kicking a bin.

He said Barnham was found by another member of staff in a corridor on November 15 just after a fire alarm had been set off.

When told he had been caught "red-handed", Barnham swore at the teacher, which left him feeling intimidated, Mr Elkin said.

He denied the breaches at first, but having spent a week on remand at Warren Hill, a young offenders' institution, the youngster changed his plea.

Mr Cooper was handed a report from Warren Hill which said Barnham had been "engaging well, and was polite and respectful".

He said: "It just shows that Warren Hill and like places are doing a lot of good - even after a week they've really got to grips with him."

Barnham told the judge: "Over the last seven days I've learnt my lesson."

James Baird-Murray, mitigating yesterday, said although Barnham had been living with his mother in Spruce Avenue, Greenstead, his grandparents were happy to take him in.

Barnham received a 12-month supervision order, with a three-month curfew, and a request to watch his language.

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Published Friday, November 25, 2005

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