POLICE who closed a crack house have had the tenant evicted from the premises.

Officers raided the house on Teesside at the end of March, after complaints from neighbours about drug-taking and prostitution.

They used powers under the Anti-Social Behaviour Act 2003, which allows police to stop activities that cause fear and distress to the community.

The 48-year-old tenant, Paul Thompson, has now been forbidden to return to the house, in Queens Avenue, Thornaby, near Stockton.

Former soldier Mr Thompson has also been served with a court order preventing him from entering an area bordered by the A66, Westbury Street, Peel Street, Park Terrace, Victoria Road, Cromwell Terrace and Thornaby Road.

Inspector Ian Garrett, head of Thornaby police, said that the ban, which lasts until May next year, will protect people in the community from his behaviour.

"If he breaches this order, he is in contempt and we will take action to get him back in court," said Insp Garrett.

In another case, a 19-year-old from the Stainsby Ward area of Thornaby had an injunction imposed upon him that forbids him from engaging in anti-social behaviour or conduct likely to cause nuisance or annoyance.

Mr Thompson was initially told that his property would be ready for his return by the end of this month.

But officials from Stockton Borough Council, armed with evidence provided by Cleveland Police, took Mr Thompson to Teesside County Court to prevent him from returning.