A TEENAGER headbutted a 16-year-old girl as she walked home from school, Fenland magistrates heard.

John Lilley, 18, attacked the girl on two occasions, while she was walking home with a friend.

In one incident, on December 10, Lilley grabbed the girl with both hands, pushed her up against a gate and punched her in the ribs, Andrea Fawcett, prosecuting, told the court.

After her friend helped her break free, Lilley continued to pursue the 16-year-old, headbutting her in the back of the head. A passer-by intervened after witnessing the attack.

The girl received no serious injuries in the attack but had been left scared by the incident, said Mrs Fawcett.

The court heard that Lilley suffers from mental health problems and has a history of self-harming.

“He has anger issues,” said Mrs Fawcett. “He sees a cloud and can’t recall all the events that happen when he gets angry.”

When played CCTV footage of his attack during a police interview, the 18-year-old said he was “shocked at the level of violence”.

Lilley, of Station Road, Manea, admitted two charges of assault.

Adjourning the case for sentencing on January 19, presiding magistrate Mr Alan Jones said: “It was lucky you didn’t cause a more serious injury and you have clearly heard from the victim the effect this has had on her.

“I need to warn you that you are in serious risk of going inside. This is not acceptable behaviour.”