BULLYING schoolboys have been given a 'last chance' of freedom after they threatened two younger boys and shot one of them in the leg with an air pistol.

The two teenagers, from Amersham, who carried out the attack, appeared at Aylesbury Crown Court to be sentenced last Friday, when they were told by Judge Daniel Rodwell QC they would be given a last chance. But he warned the 15 and 16-year-olds, who cannot be named for legal reasons, that if they re-offend they will be locked up.

Kim Preston, prosecuting, said the two teenagers had approached two younger boys, both aged 13, when they saw them putting a chain back on a bicycle in Amersham.

They produced air pistols after they claimed the younger boys got cheeky. The eldest teenager fired his weapon at a fence and got the boys to turn out their pockets.

When they had no money the older boys said they had ten seconds to get away and then blasted one of them in the leg with an air pellet.

John Riley, representing the 16-year-old, said the defendant 'deeply regretted' what he had done and 'never intended to cause injury and the incident was only meant as a prank'.

John Swain, representing the 15-year-old, said: "He stupidly allowed himself to get involved but he really has learned his lesson and has shown contrition."

Judge Daniel Rodwell QC told the offenders that they had been involved in 'a disgraceful episode of bullying'. He imposed non-custodial sentences but said: "I also want to make it clear that this is your last chance and if you breach the sentences I impose you will undoubtedly be sent straight into custody."

The 16-year-old was ordered to pay the boy he had shot £750 and was given 60 hours community service and two years probation for assaulting and occasioning actual bodily harm and for possessing an imitation firearm with intent to cause fear of unlawful violence.

His 15-year-old accomplice was given a 24-hour attendance centre order for possessing an imitation firearm and ordered to pay the other victim £500.