Pupil at Wolverhampton school smashed minibus window because he did not want it to drive down his street

The 14-year-old boy was being taken home in the bus but demanded to get out before hurling stones at it.

The school, which is not being named for legal reasons, estimated the cost of the damage at around £1,500.

In a separate incident, the same boy kicked a fire door at the school causing £250 of damage.

At Wolverhampton Magistrates Court last week, he pleaded guilty to both offences and was given a six-month referral order, during which he will be given professional help to improve his behaviour.

The court heard nobody was hurt during the minibus attack, which took place on September 5.

When interviewed, the boy told police he didn't want the bus - which was marked as being for disabled children - to go down his street for fear of being bullied and that is why he threw the stones.

On the day he damaged the fire door, the court heard he had been disruptive, had refused to stay in class and was kicking and punching walls and doors.

This was despite warnings from his head of year that his behaviour was unacceptable.

He admitted he had kicked the door but said he had not meant to cause any damage. Asked if he had anything to say, the boy simply said he was sorry.

His stepfather told the court the school had been giving the boy a hard time.

He said: "The teachers call him names. Sometimes he loses his rag.

"It isn't an excuse for the damage but when the other children and the teachers are on at him the whole time it is a way for him to let the frustration out.

"I am just asking you to give him a chance. He is trying."

Prosecuting, Sukhi Rai said the school felt it was the other way around and the boy, who cannot be named for legal reasons, who was aggressive with staff.

Defending, Frank Calleia said there were issues with the mother's health which were causing the boy great concern.

Taking into account the family's financial position, Mr Paul Eckett, chairman of the magistrates bench, decided against imposing compensation for the school or legal costs.

He told the boy: "I think you need a lot of help. Your dad is going around the bend trying to help you.

"I think you need professional help. Your dad does it out of love but professionals do it as they have got the qualifications.

"You know what you did was wrong but every kid does things which are wrong. What I don't want to see is you coming back here on more and more serious charges."