THIS is the face of a teenage tearaway who has been given an ultimatum by a North-East town.

Harry French, 15, is due to be released from a young offender's institution in April.

And when he is freed, he will face seven restrictions as part of an Anti-Social Behaviour Order (ASBO) to protect Darlington residents and property. Normally, an order applies to one small area, but French's ASBO covers the entire borough.

If he breaks any of the conditions, which include not intimidating members of the public or police, damaging property or committing burglary, he risks being sent straight back to detention.

Despite his age, French, who lives in St John's Crescent, Darlington, has already clocked up 12 convictions, covering 31 offences.

He and his family were thrown off the town's Firthmoor estate in 1999 after harassing other residents.

French was also identified as the leader of a gang which was accused of threatening to burn down homes, leaving empty petrol cans outside front doors as a warning and pushing burning newspapers through letterboxes.

A disabled women was once attacked by the gang, who tried to stab her, and stubbed cigarettes out on her neck.

The ASBO - the first in Darlington - was made last week by magistrates, who lifted legal restrictions on identifying French. The order will be in place until French turns 18.

Durham Police solicitor, Chris Southy, said: "The magistrates felt it was necessary to make the order to protect the public from harassment and distress."

Andy Errington, Darlington Borough Council's head of youth offending and community safety, said: "The police and ourselves will be keeping a close eye on this individual.