AN engineering student who punched a teenager he said had bullied his younger brother has walked free from court.

Travis Rezamand, 19, of Tees Gardens, Walney, was given a conditional discharge after he pleaded guilty to assault occasioning actual bodily harm.

Preston Crown Court heard that on May 25 the victim – who cannot be named for legal reasons – was outside the Spar shop in Mill Lane, Walney, with two friends when he was approached by Rezamand.

The defendant told the 15-year-old to stay away from Tees Gardens, but the youngster said he could not do that as he had family members who lived in that street.

The teenager realised Rezamand was confronting him over a falling out between members of both families.

Seconds later, Rezamand – who works in Morrisons – landed a punch on the boy, causing him to fall backwards and leaving a deep cut to his lip which required stitching.

In a victim impact statement read to the court, the boy said the attack had left him fearful of going out alone in case he ran into his attacker.

He said: “I am worried if I see him again he will attack me again.

“The attack has left me with a lot of pain, particularly when I am eating or drinking anything hot or cold, like a cup of tea or an ice cream.

“I don’t think that will get better in the near future.”

Judge Andrew Woolman read references which described Rezamand as a hard worker who is studying for a degree and working almost full time to supplement his studies.

He accepted the attack was out of character and Rezamand was remorseful for what he had done to the younger boy. The judge said: “There has obviously been a little bit of trouble between the families that has spilled over.

“He was being a bit lippy but you cut his lip badly and left a scar.

“You are 19 years old and you are well thought of by your employer.

“Your only problem is you seem to lose your temper a little too often and, for a time, I wondered if I should put you on a course to learn to control it.”

He handed Rezamand a two-year conditional discharge.

Rezamand must also pay £900 costs and a £10 surcharge.