A JUDGE has ordered a teenager to keep out of a neighbourhood following a reign of terror.

After listening to two days of evidence, District Judge James Prowse not only agreed to an application by Cleveland Police and Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council to make 15-year-old Craig Fletcher the subject of an anti-social behaviour order, but said it was necessary to keep the tearaway under control.

The court had heard how residents moved house after being tormented by the teenager. He threatened one of the fleeing residents that he would burn his house down.

The headteacher of a special needs education centre told Teesside Magistrates' Court that Fletcher, of Shinwell Crescent, South Bank, near Middlesbrough, threatened to "punch (his) lights out".

Police officers claimed the teenager goaded them to hit him, and incited younger children to intimidate, harass and cause trouble.

Sergeant David Lister told the court: "There are some serious problems in the South Bank area, and I don't in any way say this young man is the sole cause. But there are some issues of anti-social behaviour and this young man was contributing significantly to them."

When summing up, Judge Prowse said: "Without some form of order in force he will continue to behave in this manner and continue to cause alarm, harassment and distress in the area where he lives."

Fletcher said of residents who had been forced to move house because of his actions: "They are lying. I don't threaten people unless they threaten me. They are saying some things which I have not done."

Under the order, which runs until his 18th birthday in March, 2004, Fletcher is ordered not to act in a matter that causes alarm, harassment or distress to anyone, or incite anyone to do so; not to enter Ann Street, or an area of South Bank bounded by Ann Street, Redcar Road West, King Street and Pym Street.

He is not to enter the Education Other Than At School Centre, Eston, near Middlesbrough, without the prior written permission of the headteacher, or to throw objects at people, cars or property, and not to interfere with the operation of the emergency services or power utilities.

The judge unhesitatingly lifted an order which had prevented the media naming the teenager.