A teenager was handed three years probation after knocking out a boy's teeth resulting in $11,850 dental fees.

Geralvonno Williams, 17, of Olive Lane in Sandys, was ordered to reimburse his next-door neighbour and victim Daniel Martin, 17, within 12 months. He will also have to pay $250 for damage done to Martin's clothing.

According to Crown counsel Aurilee Cassidy, the incident began on November 7, 2007, when Martin saw someone take a mini-scrambler bike off Williams' property and hide it in the trees. Hours later, Williams came to Martin's home asking if he had the cycle or cycle parts, which Martin denied.

The following day, Martin was walking home when he was approached by Williams, who again asked for his mini-scrambler. Williams punched Martin in his mouth, resulting in two bottom teeth being knocked out. The victim needed extensive dental work and false teeth.

William's lawyer Mark Pettingill told Magistrates' Court yesterday that his client has done "outstanding things with his life" since the incident.

In addition to completing a ten-week volunteer programme in Malaysia with Raleigh International, he also completed the Government's Mirrors Programme and has been employed.

"There is no doubt he is going to go on to do great things," he added.

According to Mr. Pettingill, Williams "acted impulsively and angrily" and "knows he can't take the law into his own hands".

Senior Magistrate Archibald Warner handed Williams a probation sentence and told him: "This is your second chance. I don't care what anybody says you are lucky I didn't send you to prison."