A TEENAGER who attacked a man in Ilfracombe on a night out has had his referral order extended by three months.

The 17-year-old boy, who cannot be named for legal reasons, pleaded guilty to using threatening words or behaviour at North Devon Youth Court on Tuesday.

The court heard the boy had been out in Ilfracombe in the early hours of November 20 when he started shouting at a man in a takeaway.

When the man left the takeaway with two friends, the boy, who was also with two adult friends, shouted "come on then".

He ran at the man and punched him in the face.

All six men then became involved in a fight in the High Street which was eventually broken up by police.

The man who was attacked sustained a cut lip, sore wrist, sore nose and sore left eye.

Tim Hook, for the defence, said all six men had been drinking.

Mr Hook said: "The police initially thought the group were play fighting but it soon developed into something more serious."

The court heard the 17-year-old was in receipt of disability living allowance to the tune of £270 a month.

In September last year the boy was given a nine month referral order by a court after being found guilty of four counts of criminal damage.

Presiding Magistrate Ian Kingsbury extended the boy's referral order for a further three months.

Mr Kingsbury said: "We have heard that you are doing well on this referral order.

"However, I would advise you in future to walk away from violence. You are getting older and the punishment for these offences will soon become more serious."