A TEENAGER who attacked a one-armed man and his girlfriend has today been spared jail.

Phillip Smith was told by a judge that he was taking an "exceptional" course of action because he had behaved since the incident.

But Recorder Martin Bethel, QC, told the 19-year-old that he will be locked up for at least a year if he gets into any more trouble.

Smith and his pal, Norman Minto, 18, attacked Darren Gray after hurling abuse at the couple in North Road, Darlington, on April 16 last year.

Minto picked up a two-foot bar dropped by Smith and ran towards Mr Gray screaming: "I'm going to kill you".

Proescutor David Lamb told Teesside Crown Court yesterday that the victim was hit twice in the back before Smith joined in the attack.

Smith punched Mr Gray twice in the side of the face and threw him to the ground, while Minto tried to strike the woman with the bar.

Mr Gray suffered injuries to his arm, shoulder and back in the unprovoked attack, and had to go to Darlington Memorial Hospital.

The court was told that he no longer feels safe about going out alone, and has to arrange to be collected when he goes into town.

Minto, of Churchill Square, Durham, was given a two-year community rehabilitation order when he was sentenced by Darlington Youth Court last September.

The teenager, who has also lived in Darlington and Stockton, was also ordered to pay £100 compensation after he admitted affray, possessing an offensive weapon and breaching an anti-social behaviour order.

Smith, of Lewes Road, Darlington, admitted affray, possessing an offensive weapon and common assault, and had his sentence deferred last year.

Mr Recorder Bethel heard today that Smith was making good progress and was now living with his girlfriend's family and staying out of trouble.

The judge told him: "The offences you committed were extremely serious, as you recognise.

"This was a disabled man, and two of you set about him in a most aggressive and unpleasant way.

"I was intending to sentence you to 12 months' detention but didn't do so in September because I heard extraordinarily impressive evidence from a social worker and the mother of your girlfriend.

"I hope that the good progress you have made in the last six months will continue and the courts will never see you again. I have given you an exceptional chance."

Smith was given a community order with 18 months' supervision, and was ordered to attend a Think First programme.