RESTRICTIONS were yesterday placed on the movements and actions of two teenagers who repeatedly intimidated school staff.

Anti-social behaviour orders (Asbos) were imposed on Michael Cuthbert, 15, and 16-year-old Brian Gillespie by Durham magistrates.

The pair, from Sherburn Road Estate, Durham, were involved in a string of nuisance incidents over several months, including repeatedly trespassing the grounds of Durham Gilesgate Sports College and Sixth Form Centre and threatening staff.

In one four-day period in March, Cuthbert rode a bike at the assistant headteacher, threatened the caretaker, shouted abuse at a police officer and tried to kick out the windows of a patrol car.

Gillespie entered the school grounds on numerous occasions, kicked a football at a senior teacher and verbally abused another member of staff in a separate incident.

The court heard that both had committed other misdeameanours.

Following the application, by Durham Police solicitor Steve Mooney, magistrates granted orders prohibiting both boys from entering college grounds, or intimidating or threatening anyone.

They are also banned from being in each other's company, "in any place to which the public have access", consuming or possessing alcohol in any public street, in Cuthbert's case, while Gillespie was instructed not to trespass on any private property.

Each Asbo lasts for two years, with any breach classed as a criminal offence.

Mr Mooney said: "Their behaviour was so bad the school was considering security measures that would have had to have been funded from their education budget.

"The headteacher described Cuthbert's behaviour as the most appalling he had seen."

Durham Police Inspector Dick Dodds said: "Both have had every opportunity to change their ways, but chose to ignore the advice and help offered.

"They should now realise we will not tolerate the sort of actions they have bee n guilty of over a long time."