A YOUTH has been banned from playing his stereo at home after complaints about loud, offensive music.

The silence rule was part of an Anti-social Behaviour Order (Asbo) imposed on 20-year-old Brad Storey at Durham Magistrates' Court.

Storey, of Derwent-water Avenue, Chester-le-Street, appeared in court after numerous complaints about his behaviour.

The court heard how he caused nuisance to neighbours by continually playing loud music, sometimes containing offens- ive lyrics, at his home.

He had also caused distress to residents by congregating with other youths outside his house, making threats and openly using drugs.

He had also breached an Acceptable Behaviour Contract, banning him from Hermitage Comprehensive School.

Yesterday, magistrates imposed an Asbo that forbids Storey from going to the Carlingford area of Chester-le-Street's Garden Farm Estate.

He was banned from playing recorded music at his home and congregating with others in Derwentater Avenue.

He was forbidden from using drugs within the sight of residents in Derwentwater Avenue and from being under the influence of drugs in any public place, acting in a disorderly or incapable manner and buying alcoholic drink for persons aged under 18 years.

Storey was also forbidden from assaulting, harassing, intimidating, threatening or abusing any person or inciting or encouraging others to commit such an act.

Chris Southey, solicitor for Durham Police, said the order sent out a clear message to the community that Storey's behaviour was unacceptable.