A SCHOOLBOY fell from a moving bus and crashed into a lamp post after a fellow pupil hit out at jibes about his dead grandfather.

Twelve-year-old Casey O'Reilly suffered a fractured thigh, broken front teeth and spent more than six weeks in traction after his schoolboy taunts backfired on him.

Lewis Tunbridge, 18, described as a normally "calm, placid and passive young man," finally snapped when the youngster's insults turned to his grandfather who had just died.

Prosecuting, Judith Butler told Maidstone Crown Court Casey was on the bus in Gravesend with his brother and cousin when Tunbridge and his brother got on. The boys all go to the same school.

After insulting Tunbridge's mother, the taunts turned to his grandfather.

Infuriated, Tunbridge jumped up and ran at the youngster but instead of hitting the 12-year-old, he missed and hit the side bar near the door.

As Casey moved to avoid the blow, the bus door flew open and he fell out crashing into a lamp post.

Tunbridge and his brother got off the bus and ran away but gave themselves up at a police station shortly afterwards.

Defending, James Lloyd told the court Tunbridge, who had just completed his A-Levels and is due to start university, had an exemplary background and character.

Mr Lloyd said: "He was quite clearly pushed beyond all endurance by the youngster."

Judge David Griffiths said: "That there was extreme provocation is not in doubt. At 18 and about to go to university I believe you are most unlikely to go to court again."

Tunbridge, of Tamasis Strand, Gravesend, admitted causing actual bodily harm on September 27 last year and was given an 18-month conditional discharge. There were no compensation costs.

Tunbridge left the court refusing to comment.

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