A SOUTHAMPTON teenager involved in a recreation ground fight has received a stern warning from the judge who spared him a spell in custody.

Judge John Boggis QC told Ryan Brooks: "If you come back before a court again, you can never say you have not been given a chance. This is your chance. If you don't take it, bring your toothbrush because you'll be going inside."

Brooks, 16, pleaded guilty at the city crown court to causing actual bodily harm to Charles Barnes. Mr Barnes had struck Brooks first, but Brooks accepted that in punching him back more than once he had gone beyond lawful self-defence.

Brooks, of Lilac Road, Bassett, was given a three-month night curfew and a 100-hour community punishment order.

Judge Boggis told him: "It is clear you were going off the rails and had got yourself in with a bad lot.You have caused your parents a lot of distress and hurt by making yourself a thoroughly unpleasant yob in the area. You should be grateful they are standing by you."