A judge has demanded social services 'pick up the pieces' after handing a troubled teenager a second chance.
Judge Jonathan Carroll was sentencing 18-year-old Kevin Etherington for common assault and threats to kill when he laid into the care system.
Durham Crown Court heard how the teen, of no fixed abode, got into an altercation while in a YMCA hostel in Chester-le-Street.
Prosecutor Uzma Khan told the court the defendant had repeatedly punched a man he accused of 'being a nonce' and threatened to stab him, going to the draw apparently to look for a knife.
Etherington repeatedly told the man to 'get to Tescos', a reference to a spot behind the supermarket he knew didn't have cameras so they 'could have a straightener'.
He was arrested and initially denied the offence but soon changed his plea to guilty and was remanded in custody.
Defending, Susan Hirst revealed her client, who already has dozens of convictions, had a tough upbringing in the care system.
She said: "There's no doubt that his behaviour has been very immature but that's in no small part down to his background."
In unusual scenes, Etherington, who was appearing from prison via video link, informed his defence counsel he wanted to read out a letter to the court.
He tearfully said: "I threatened him because I was drunk and stupid and trying to act like a big man but just looked daft.
"I mean the lad no harm and want to provide for my girlfriend and beautiful daughter."
Judge Carroll took pity on the young father and demanded guarantees that social services would keep him off the streets before he released him.
He said: "I've got a degree of sympathy for someone who has come out of care and been cut loose and to look after themselves.
"The system is asking me to take a risk that an 18-year-old not long out of care should be released without accommodation."
He furiously added: "The care system, for once in its life, can pick up the pieces and take him straight to the accommodation they've prepared for him.
"I know he wants to get out but I'm not playing dice with his safety until I know he's got somewhere safe to go tonight."
The case was stood down and probation were ordered to liaise with the local authority to secure accommodation.
Returning to court later in the day, he deferred the sentence to January - at which time the offence could be discharged - and released Etherington from custody.
