A TEENAGE boy has appeared in court after attacking his guardian, stealing more than £550 from her and damaging items in the family home.

The 15-year-old from a village near Taunton, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was told he will not have to pay compensation to his victim as she is the only source of income in the home.

Instead he has been given a six-month contract outlining how he must behave following the hearing at Taunton Magistrates' Court.

The youth, who had pleaded guilty to assault by beating, has been ordered to attend meetings of the youth offender panel and to pay a £20 victim surcharge at a rate of £3 a week.

He also admitted intentionally damaging internal doors in the home and property to an unknown value, stealing £563 from his guardian and possession of cannabis. He also received a six-month contract for those offences.