A 17-YEAR-OLD boy who spat in a nurse’s face, bit a police officer and kicked another while under the influence of alcohol and legal highs was told he was being given one last chance to retain his freedom.

Blackburn magistrates heard the boy had been seen punching trees and throwing himself in the road before starting to fight with other youths.

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And police officers who arrested him struggled to restrain the boy who eventually collapsed in his cell prompting to police to take him to hospital.

The boy who cannot be named for legal reasons, pleaded guilty to three charges of assault and one of being drunk and disorderly. He was ordered to pay £75 compensation to each victim and made subject to an 18-month youth rehabilitation order.

Catherine Allan, prosecuting, said when he got to hospital the boy was “rambling” and claimed he needed help.

“It became apparent he had taken something besides alcohol,” said Miss Allan. “He bit the officer on the finger causing it to bleed and spat in the nurses face while she was trying to treat him.”

Gareth Price, defending, said his client had problems but these were exacerbated by his use of legal highs.

“He is a bright young man who knows what he has to do and I would ask you to step back from an immediate custodial sentence,” said Mr Price.

The chairman of the magistrates said the offences had been “particularly unpleasant and nasty”.

“This is your final opportunity to retain your liberty,” she said.

“If you don’t comply there is every chance you will be going down the stairs to the cells.”