YORK youth justices have allowed a Clifton rioter to keep his freedom after he handed himself in to prevent an "anti-social" teenager being jailed in a case of mistaken identity.

The 17-year-old youth terrified a policewoman by wielding a breeze block as he and other youths confronted police in the major disturbance outside shops in Crichton Avenue in March.

He also encouraged another rioter struggling with police.

Officers used CS gas, but one suffered back injuries requiring hospital treatment and others received lesser injuries in the riot and breeze blocks were thrown at a police van.

The 17-year-old escaped as police made several arrests. But when he heard police had arrested Patrick Harris, 19, in mistake for himself, he handed himself in and confessed.

Mr Harris can be jailed for five years if he goes within 50 metres of the shops or is guilty of a public order offence because he is subject to York's first Anti-Social Behaviour Order.

After hours in police cells, he was released without charge. He has always maintained his innocence.

The 17-year-old, from the north side of York, later pleaded guilty to affray, a serious public order offence.

He cannot be identified for legal reasons.

Youth justices gave the 17-year-old 120 hours' community service and ordered him to pay £125 compensation to PC Louise Ewell and £70 court costs.

A 16-year-old boy is currently serving a four-month detention and training order after he became involved on the edge of the riot.

Mike Duffy, prosecuting, said the policewoman had believed the 17-year-old was about to throw a breeze block at her as a colleague was lying on the ground. But the youth dropped the block and fled.

The policewoman later made a statement saying that the shock and distress of the confrontation had led to the identity mistake.

John Howard, for the 17-year-old, told the justices he has been out of trouble since the disturbance and in work.