A MAN was told he must not cause any future disturbance in his neighbourhood or he will face prison or eviction.

Scott Scales, 25, of Aviemore Court, Darlington, had civil proceedings initiated against him by Darlington Borough Council for allegedly disrupting neighbours in the four months he lived at the house.

Yesterday, Darlington County Court heard how Mr Scales suffered from mental health problems and had four disputes with girlfriend Rebecca Hall when she tried to restrain him.

District Judge Bailey said Mr Scales must not instigate or encourage any violence or annoyance in his street, and said he must agree to abide by the conditions until November.

He said: "You have made a promise to the court.

"If you break it, the court could send you to prison for up to two years, or you could be fined, or both."

Chris Close, advocacy manager for Darlington, said it was unfair that Mr Scales had been taken to court.

"This seems draconian in the extreme," he said. "The circumstances of this case are quite sad. This young man needs help, but the council decided to initiate proceedings on the grounds of anti-social behaviour.

"The problems this young couple has suffered are not ones you see every day, and they just need support. They are just a young couple trying to get by."

Speaking after the proceedings, Mr Scales said he was now getting professional help for his illness, and was confident he would be able to keep to the agreement.

Miss Hall, 22, said: "He spoke to the neighbours and said sorry if we caused any noise. I don't think it's fair at all."