TWO teenagers have avoided jail sentences after an attack which left a student with bleeding on the brain.

The pair appeared at Oxford Crown Court on Thursday to be sentenced in connection with an assault on March 17 this year.

They are a 16-year-old, who pleaded guilty to causing grievous bodily harm, and a 17-year-old, who admitted a public order offence. Neither can be named for legal reasons.

Iain Wicks, prosecuting, said Chinese student Song Tian was on a night out in Oxford when he had a confrontation with the younger of the pair.

He said 19-year-old Mr Tian then called two friends and walked down St Michael’s Street in Oxford city centre and approached the two defendants.

The barrister told Judge Mary Jane Mowat that a fight broke out, although it was not clear who threw the first punch.

Mr Wicks said the 16-year-old defendant then punched Mr Tian in the face, knocking him to the ground, before kicking him.

He said the student had to have emergency surgery to alleviate bleeding on the brain, but is not expected to suffer lasting damage.

Judge Mowat said to the two defendants: “There was a fight and whoever started it, it seems to me very clear that Mr Tian, with two friends, approached the two defendants, who were backed up against a closed doorway.

“There was absolutely no reason to do so, and from there the fight proceeds.”

She said that the 16-year-old had not “intended” for the injury to be serious and sentenced him to a youth rehabilitation order, with 18 months of supervision and an activity requirement. Judge Mowat said the 17-year-old had offered “no violence” to anyone during the confrontation and gave him a 12-month conditional discharge.