High School rocket attack - culprit gets "slap on wrist"

One of the victims has suffered severe hearing loss as a result of the attack, threatening a planned career with the RAF. Another has also suffered hearing loss and has painful permanent scarring.

Both face life with hearing aids.

A 17 year-old youth, who cannot be named for legal reasons, appeared before Hastings Youth Court last Friday.

The court added six months to an existing Referral Order and ordered him to pay 150 each to the victims plus 60 court costs.

It was November 1 last year when hooded youths brought horror to what had begun as an ordinary school day.

They fired what was described as a display-standard rocket into the High School yard from the Down.

It was lunch-time and the playground was crowded with youngsters.

Four Year 11 students were injured.

School principal Mike Conn this week angrily described the court's decision as "mediocre punishment."

The boys mothers say the court's decision amounts to no more than a "slap on the wrist," the compensation bears no relation to the permanent injury both boys have suffered and no deterrent to others.

*Families speak out - full story in Friday's Bexhill Observer.