KEY POINTS:
Three Marlborough schoolgirls who attacked a fellow student at school last week have been described as "thugs" by a judge.
Judge Tony Zohrab described the fight as a "pack attack" and warned the girls that adults who committed similar crimes had been sent to prison, the Marlborough Express reported.
In Blenheim Youth Court, the students, all 15, who cannot be identified because of their ages, admitted assault with intent to injure.
Their victim needed hospital treatment.
The judge said the outcome of a family conference would determine whether the girls remained in the youth court or were sent to adult court, which would mean a serious conviction was placed permanently on their records.
They will reappear in youth court on July 22.
- NZPA
