A 12-year-old Ipswich boy has faced magistrates on an assault charge after he shoved a girl, causing her to fall backwards and break her wrist.

A 12-year-old Ipswich boy has faced magistrates on an assault charge after he shoved a girl, causing her to fall backwards and break her wrist.

The boy, who cannot be named because of his age, pleaded guilty to a charge of assault occasioning actual bodily harm.

The incident took place in Whitton Church Lane in Ipswich on January 7 this year.

South East Suffolk Magistrates' Court heard the boy reacted to a comment made by the 12-year-old victim by placing both hands on her chest and pushing her backwards.

The girl tripped over a small garden wall and fell backwards, holding out a hand to break her fall. The impact caused a fracture in her left wrist.

The girl was taken to hospital where X-rays revealed the damage, before doctors applied a cast to her lower arm and hand.

The court was told the defendant had one previous conviction for an offence of wounding in December last year.

Sue Harris, mitigating, said: “He had no intention of causing her injury and it's extremely regrettable that she suffered such an injury. He was quite shocked after it happened.

“After the incident he attempted to help. Having tried to apologise, he became quite embarrassed and took a step back before leaving.

“It would not have been such a big incident had she not broken her arm. He genuinely did not think it would happen.

“He is very sorry. He's not a bad lad, he has made a couple of mistakes but they are not as bad as they might appear.”

Magistrates extended the boy's referral order for another six months.

Diane Hunt, chairman of the bench, told him: “We hope some work is put in to encourage you to make the appropriate choices when faced with situations where there are groups of people.

“If you don't comply with the referral order you'll be brought back to court.”

Magistrates also issued a 12-month parenting order to the defendant's mother.

Mrs Hunt told her: “This is to help you deal with your son so he doesn't cause any more trouble. He's been in court twice within six months for serious matters. We think you require all the help available.”

Magistrates also ordered the defendant's mother to pay £300 in compensation to the victim.