A YOUTH has been ordered to complete 180 hours of community service for injuring another teenager in a 'brutal attack' in Otley's Wharfemeadows Park.

The 17-year-old from Otley, who was said to have drunk ten bottles of beer and half a bottle of Vodka before the attack, was told by Leeds magistrates he 'very nearly went to prison' for the offence.

The youth, who cannot be named for legal reasons, had admitted the charge of threatening behaviour at an earlier hearing.

Outlining the prosecution case, Philip Adams told Leeds Youth Court on Tuesday that the boy was involved in a confrontation and scuffle with the other boy at the fair running alongside Otley Show on May 19.

Teenage girls saw the victim, who has not co-operated with police since the incident, being chased by other boys. The boys, who were said to have been drinking, were thrown out of the fair, and were later seen in Wharfemeadows Park.

Mr Adams read a statement from nearby resident Lesley Tate, who saw the defendant kicking the other boy as he lay on the ground.

Mrs Tate said although she was not easily shocked, she was 'literally shaking' both during and after the incident.

The injured boy was taken to hospital for treatment, but later refused to make a complaint to police, or have his medical records released. Mr Adams said the defendant had previous convictions.

In mitigation, Martin Morrow said a large number of young people at the fair had been drinking a considerable amount of alcohol. He said an 'alcohol fuelled' confrontation started when the victim barred the youth's way in the fair.

Mr Morrow said: "There was a confrontation of sorts."

He said the boy had drunk around ten bottles of lager beer and half a bottle of vodka on the night.

He produced character references from the boy's employer and from a youth worker at Otley's Cross Green Centre.

Mr Morrow said: "He feels utter revulsion and shame. He wishes to make a heartfelt apology to the complainant and the complainant's family." The boy's mother apologised to the court for her son's actions.

In sentencing, magistrates said: "Drinking is not an excuse. If that is a problem you should get the better of it before it gets the better of you."

The boy was also ordered to pay £60 court costs.