'Final chance' for boy in college row; Teenager who breached court order avoids prison.

Byline: By ANNETTE KINSELLA [e-mail]

A TEENAGER who threatened a teacher and repeatedly breached his anti-social behaviour orders has been given a final chance by magistrates.

Danny Hopkins, aged 17, of Dalton Gardens, Wyken, Coventry, admitted using threatening words in breach of his anti-social behaviour order in January.

The court heard how the teenager, who was made the subject of the order in July 2003, went to Ernesford Grange Community College, Princethorpe Way, with a group of friends to make up with his girlfriend after an arguement.

But a row broke out when the assistant head teacher intervened to ask the group to leave.

A report described how the teacher heard Hopkins shouting he was going to "bang someone out".

When he told the gang they would have to leave they threatened to "bang him out as well".

The group continued to be aggressive as they were thrown out.

Prosecuting, John Western said Hopkins had been made the subject of assorted orders since 2003, including a community rehabilitation order made last September.

But defending, Balbir Dahil said Hopkins had been making good progress in spite of the lapse, which was backed up by a report from the Youth Offending Team.

Mr Dahil said: "If you examine his records since June 2004 the frequency of offending has reduced substantially.

"It seems that the offending since then has been somewhat petty.

"That is a dramatic change from 2003 and early 2004.

"The change has come about as a result of the fact that he seems to be growing up and has secured full-time employment."

Mother Joanne Hopkins said her son's behaviour had improved.

She said: "I do believe Danny has changed over the last six months.

"The offending behaviour has stopped. He needs to learn his actions have consequences."

Magistrate James Jobson ordered Hopkins to carry out 100 hours of unpaid community work - but warned him if he offended again he would go to jail.

He advised Hopkins to join a sports club to take out his aggression. He said: "Don't think this is a soft option. It really is your last chance."