A TEENAGER has been given an anti-social behaviour order (Asbo) for intimidating and abusing people in a town centre.

Thomas John Andrew Kailofer hung around shops - often while drinking with friends - where he abused and intimidated passers-by and police community support officers (PCSOs). He was given the order by Bishop Auckland magistrates yesterday.

The 16-year-old, from Clyde Terrace, in Spennymoor, sought confrontation by staring at people, and often trespassed at Spennymoor School, where he was excluded as a schoolboy.

Under the terms of the Asbo, drawn up to protect people in the area, Kailofer is prohibited from:

* Harassing, intimidating, assaulting, threatening or abusing any person;

* Damaging or interfering with the property of others, except with their permission;

* Consuming or possessing alcohol in a public place and being disorderly at the same time;

* Being in the company of three of his friends in any public or open space in Spennymoor or Middlestone Moor;

* Entering, or being within ten yards of the Co-op supermarket, in Oxford Road;

* Entering the premises, including any part of the grounds, of Spennymoor Comprehensive School;

* Encouraging others to commit any act prohibited by the order.

Lawrence Petterson, for Kailofer, said the teenager did not admit to all of the allegations, but he added: "He does accept that much of his behaviour is out of order."

He added that a number of the offences were caused by others encouraging him, but did not oppose the making of the order.

Lifting an interim order previously placed on him, chairwoman of the bench Christine Selby said: "I think some young people think having an Asbo is a badge of honour almost. We don't regard it as that - if you breach it, you could go to prison."

Speaking after the case, PC Dawn Southern said the Asbo served as a warning to people who do not show respect to PCSOs.