A MAN who "terrorised" a shopping centre and was discovered in a convenience store sitting in a freezer and eating stolen biscuits has been handed a three-year injunction by Magistrates.

Neil Michael Plews, 45, and also goes by the name of 'Plewsy', is notorious for starting fires, throwing rubbish, swearing and shouting threats, aggresively begging and being a nuisance at a Middlesbrough shopping centre.

Plews, who has since been banned from the area in a bid to improve his behaviour, was recetly found in Hemlington's Viewley Centre's One Stop sitting in a freezer eating biscuits.

He had also been seen changing his clothes in public exposing his 'bare behind', and one one occasion had been seen lying face down on the floor with white powder.

Witnesses have also claimed Plews has attempted to enter nearby houses and garages, as well as starting fires in bins and bushes.

Middlesbrough Council who were successful in obtaining an order against Plews at Teesside Magistrates' Court, said it had taken extreme action after trying repeatedly to help him into supported accomodation - which he refused.

Jim Langley, prosecuting on behalf of Middlesbrough Council, said: "Throughout the process of obtaining this injunction Mr Plews was afforded every opportunity to engage with the assistance that Middlesbrough Council and its partners provided.

"However, sadly he rejected such assistance and chose to continue causing anti-social behaviour much to the distress and annoyance of others, as a result the injunction had to be sought and was thankfully granted."