A TEENAGER who has terrorised a community has been made the subject of an anti-social behaviour order (Asbo).

Kieron Thomas Young, of Hope Street, Crook, plagued residents in the town with his bad behaviour over the past 18 months, Bishop Auckland Magistrates heard yesterday.

Chris Southey, on behalf of Durham Police, told the court that 20 residents had come forward to complain about how Young and his friends were seen banging on doors and windows, trespassing in gardens and shouting abuse.

He said the 15-year-old also threw a lighted gas canister at two health workers at Crook Health Centre.

Clive Booth, on behalf of Young, told the court that the youngster accepted his behaviour was bad enough to warrant an Asbo, but he did deny some of the things he was accused of.

Young will be bound by the Asbo for three years.

He is prohibited from assaulting, harassing, intimidating, threatening or abusing any other person, as well as damaging, taking or interfering with the property of others.

The order also bans him from throwing stones or other missiles at houses or vehicles, and spraying graffiti or otherwise defacing the property of others. He is banned from setting fire to property, and from entering Crook Library, unless permitted by staff.

He is also barred from entering or being in the area of the Crook Health Centre, including the car park, except for pre-arranged appointments. He is banned from trespassing on any property, entering the grounds or buildings of Hartside Primary School, and inciting or encouraging others to commit any of the above acts.

He is also barred from being at any address between 8pm and 7am except 62 High Hope Street or as specified by the local authority. This remains in effect until September 3.