Judge condemns 'wicked' 10-year-old

A 10-year-old boy who pushed an eight-year-old off a road bridge has been described as wicked by a judge.

The youngster, who cannot be named for legal reasons, has been sentenced to a two-year supervision order at Warrington Crown Court in Cheshire.

Stephen Oldham suffered serious injuries after falling more than four metres from the bridge in July this year.

Simon Medland, prosecuting, told the court the accused youngster had at an earlier hearing admitted inflicting grievous bodily harm.

Stephen, of Warrington, had a five-hour operation on his hip after the fall.

Mr Medland told the court doctors have said there was a 50% chance Stephen will be left significantly disabled for the rest of his life.

The court was told a witness saw the 10-year-old's face after he pushed Stephen and said it was "evil and malicious".

The accused's mother wept as Judge David Hale told her son: "What you did to Stephen was wrong and it was wicked. You could have killed him, you know that don't you?"

Nicholas Walker, defending, said his client had admitted his guilt and expressed remorse.

Mr Walker said the youngster had had behavioural problems and has been stigmatised locally for what he did.