A TEENAGER has avoided jail after getting in a fight outside a shop in Didcot.

Joseph Woods, 19, of Great Western Drive, Didcot, was sentenced at Oxford Crown Court on Thursday (April 18) for one count each of assault by beating.

It was heard that Woods, who was 18 at the time, had assaulted Paul Lang on July 26 last year alongside his former step-dad.

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The court heard Mr Lang had suffered from a black eye, injuries to his face and a stiff back but did not need hospital treatment.

Defending Woods, barrister Gordan Austin said the then had been ‘kicked out’ of the family home at the time and was ‘sofa surfing’.

She said: “He has changed his life and he’s hoping to get permanent accommodation and he has a support team around him.”

It was heard he hopes to start a landscaping apprenticeship in Abingdon.

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Judge Nigel Daly handed him a two-year community order to complete five rehabilitation activity days, 30 sessions of a ‘Building Choices Programme’ and 100 hours of unpaid work.

He said: “It seems after this particular incident that you have knuckled down and it has been pretty successful.

“If I sent you to prison today you’d be likely to lose the lot…and you’re only 19. I don’t consider sending you to prison for two months would be a good idea.”