My 15 year old son was hit in the face by another 15 year old at the weekend(completely unprovoked, this boy thought my son had said something unflattering about him which was untrue, and just assaulted him in public). My son has suffered swelling and brusing to the nose and eyes, had to go to A and E, and his nose although not broken is bent to one side - don't know if it will be permanent. His clothes are ruined by bloodstains. The police have taken a statement and say will be in touch.
What is likely to happen to my son's assailant - as far as I know he has no criminal record.
If he has never been in trouble before, the police may decide to deal with it by way of a caution or reprimand. If not, and the decision is taken to prosecute, if he pleads guilty he will get a referral order. If he fights it to trial and is convicted, likely outcome is some other form of community order - quite possibly a Supervision Order.
You may be right Doc Spock, but my son is a lover not a fighter!
thanks for all replies. My only hope no matter what the outcome is, is that this boy will learn a lesson - I can only hope so.