THE Cirencester teenager accused of trying to murder and sexually assaulting a 16-year-old girl has been told he could face life in prison if he is convicted.

The 16-year-old, who cannot be named for legal reasons, appeared before magistrates for the second time last week.

Dressed in a dark green T-shirt and dark trousers and flanked by two security guards, the youth smiled as he entered the dock at Gloucester Youth Court last Thursday.

He spoke only to confirm his name and date of birth.

He is charged with attempted murder and sexual assault relating to an incident which is said to have taken place on Saturday, October 29, in the City Bank area of Cirencester.

The boy remained emotionless as details of the alleged attack were read out to the court and paused briefly to speak to his solicitor before he was led back to the cells.

He did not enter a plea and there was no application for bail.

The accused was remanded in custody to appear before the court again at a later date.

The alleged victim, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was found by ambulance crews and police officers with fractures to her ribs, nose and cheekbone, as well as a dislocated upper jaw, broken teeth and bruising to her head, neck and back.

She spent time in intensive care at Cheltenham General Hospital, where she was treated for her injuries and water in the lungs, and was discharged from hospital this week.

She is now recovering at home with her family in a village near Cirencester.

Her classmates at the Cotswold secondary school she attends - which the Standard cannot identify - returned from half term last week to hear news of the alleged attack.

Teachers made the decision to talk about the incident to clear up rumours and address any concerns from pupils.

The headteacher of the school said: "We were naturally very sorry to learn that one of our pupils was in intensive care following a serious incident.

"When school reopened after half-term last Wednesday we took the decision to advise her year group and put strategies in place to ensure that we could support her recovery and respond to their immediate concerns."