A SWORD-wielding teenager has avoided jail after attacked three people in the street.

The youth, who cannot be named for legal reasons, had met up with friends and family to resolve an earlier argument but ended up slashing at and hitting victims in Gardner Avenue, Corringham in March.

Southend Crown Court heard on Friday how the attack lead to a family losing thousands of pounds in wages and even a school prom’s security had to be ramped up.

Read more >> Teenager ‘slashed man with sword at meeting to resolve row'

A victim told the court on Friday: “My daughter’s face was blown up like a balloon and it’s breaking my heart to see what he’d done to us.

“I remember his mother begging him to stop. It’s made me anxious and worried about going out to check who is outside out house. I cannot sleep and keep seeing him attacking us.

“It hurts me so much to see how it’s affected my daughter, my face was swollen and is still painful. I also suffer back pain too.

“It’s had a serious impact on my family too.” 

It was agreed with family and friends they would all meet and agree there would be no more issues between the pair.

But instead the teenager got out of the car with a sword and started swinging it around and threatening his victims.

Mitigating, Christopher Martin said: “He has vulnerabilities such as autism and language difficulties. He also suffered emotional harm at school and the training centre he’s been in.

“He has extremely complex needs and whilst prison may protect the public it will not help his difficulties”

Sentencing the teenager, Judge Shane Collery said the youngster did not intend to cause harm and was probably reckless.

He said: “One of the victims is a community person and doesn’t want any vengeance. I do not accept this was excessive self defence.

“Another has a permanent face scar. He’s very self conscious about.

“I’ve heard about the absent father of the teenager. Another victim has been sitting in court crying. I can see nobody wants that at all.

“A training centre did no good but with bail and school he’s not reoffended.”

He was handed an 18 month youth rehabilitation order, with supervision, work for emotions and relationships and exploitation.

A curfew from 9pm and 7am was imposed with a three year restraining order.