A 13-YEAR-OLD boy assaulted members of staff at a Nelson care home because they wanted him to do his school work instead of watching TV.

Blackburn magistrates heard the first assault was on a male member of staff and the second on two female workers.

The boy who cannot be named for legal reasons, pleaded guilty to three charges of assault. He was made subject to a referral order for 12 months.

Tracy Yates, prosecuting, said the boys tutor had arrived to teach him and the care worker went into the lounge where he was watching TV and switched the set off.

“The defendant became abusive and tried to push past the carer,” said Mrs Yates.”

He then took up a fighting stance and started throwing punches. He tried to restrain him but during the struggle the youth bit him on the arm.”

The other assaults happened when the boy again refused to go to lessons, preferring to watch television.

One carer was pushed in the chest and the other was kicked. Both were assaulted again as they tried to restrain him.

Nick Dearing, defending, said his client had been exploited and abused and as a result was deeply troubled young man.

“He knows he loses his temper and resorts to violence far too easily,” said Mr Dearing.