A TEENAGER who butted the head teacher of a Kidderminster school has been warned he could face a custodial sentence.

Courts took a serious view of assaults on staff on school premises, magistrate Morris Lashford told 18-year-old Paul Jennings.

Jennings, of Comberton Park Road, Kidderminster, admitted common assault on Alan Brooks at King Charles I School on May 8 and was bailed for a pre-sentence report.

The head tried to take a photograph of Jennings when he trespassed on the school grounds, said Abi Nixon, prosecuting.

Jennings headbutted Mr Brooks in the face after trying to grab the camera.

He later admitted to police that he had lost his temper when the camera was pointed at him.

Staff detained him until police arrived.

It was revealed recently that police had begun patrolling outside the Kidd-erminster school following a series of incidents in which teachers have been subjected to physical threats and intimidation and verbal abuse.

In a statement released by Mr Brooks last month, a small number of individuals not connected with the school, were blamed for the troubles which he branded "totally unacceptable" and of "deep concern".

He said staff from the school patrolled the grounds and perimeter as a matter of course.

"These members of staff are being subjected to verbal abuse, physical threats and intimidation. This abuse is totally unacceptable and we have enlisted the support of the police," he added.

He said the police had responded in a "very supportive way" and would be taking action against those responsible.