A 17-year-old from Harrow was spared jail this week but must pay the dental costs of the policeman he assaulted.

The officer was left with two chipped teeth when the thug attacked him outside the Royal Oak, in St Ann's Road, after staff at the Harrow town centre pub called for help on May 12.

The drunken teen, who cannot be named, had already been seen brandishing a bat and had thrown punches at two others outside the pub.

At Harrow Youth Court on Tuesday he pleaded guilty to inflicting ABH on an officer and two counts of common assault.

The teenager was given a 12-month probation order, but presiding magistrate Alan Cohen told him he had been lucky to escape a custodial sentence.

Sentencing him, Mr Cohen said: "This was a very serious offence and was particularly intimidating for the public.

"What makes it more serious is that you attacked a police officer who was carrying out his duty, and that is simply not acceptable.

"What you need to be clear about is that you have not got away with this, and the referral order should make you aware that you are walking a very fine line."

The teenager was ordered to pay compensation of £500 to cover the distress the officer was caused, as well as his dental costs.

He was also ordered to pay £70 in court costs.