A TEENAGER who attacked his mother's ex-boyfriend was conditionally discharged for 12 months by a stipendiary magistrate, who warned him to behave himself.

Jonathan Finestein told Michael Ashley Hart, 19, he understood there was some bad feeling between the parties, and the defendant felt the victim had dealt pretty badly with his mother -- but that was not the way to go about things.

Hart, of Burrans Meadow, Colne, admitted assault by beating and was ordered to pay £100 compensation.

Pat Bramley, prosecuting, said the aggrieved, a part-time taxi driver, was approached by the defendant and was apprehensive because there was some history between them.

The complainant tried to ignore Hart and walked past, but the defendant threw a punch at him, then struck him again, just laughed and did not say a word.

Miss Bramley said the taxi driver suggested they go to the police station, but Hart walked off, still laughing. The cabbie suffered soreness and reddening and the defendant was later arrested.

Dermot Woodhead, defending, said the aggrieved lived with the defendant's mother for many years. Hart conceeded what he had done was wrong.