Wellington, March 12 NZPA - Four teens were given diversion when they appeared in New Plymouth District Court today on charges connected to a bullying incident at the New Plymouth Boys' High School last year.

The youths admitted a charge of assault with intent to injure.

Their names and details of the assault were suppressed by Judge Rob Murfitt.

The incident prompted an investigation by the school's board of trustees which found bullying occurred amongst students at the school's hostel.

The charges stemmed from a November 18 attack in which a 17-year-old student had to jump out of a window to escape his assailants.

He suffered two black eyes, a swollen jaw and a cut to his face that needed stitches.

The report also said the school's principal failed to properly address the behaviour.

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