A YOUTH who attacked community wardens distributing leaflets warning residents that he was the subject of an anti-social behaviour order (Asbo) has been jailed for robbing a pizza shop.

Craig Gibson, 16, was part of a group of youths who caused a midnight disturbance at Fernando's pizza shop in the Saltersgill Shops, Middlesbrough, attacking the owner, Jassem Safa, and stealing the till containing £200, Teesside Crown Court was told.

Ian West, prosecuting, said Gibson punched Mr Safa in the face after he threatened to call police when an argument broke out.

Another youth grabbed hold of Mr Safa while Gibson continued the attack. Two others wrenched the till from behind the counter and they ran off.

Police drove Mr Safa around the area until he spotted Gibson and another youth. Gibson's fingerprint was on part of the till found in a bin.

He was given the Asbo in 2003 after convictions for criminal damage and assault on a police officer. He was fined for breaches last year, including racially aggressive abusive behaviour.

Teesside magistrates imposed 11 months' detention and training, which he is still serving, said Mr West.

Nigel Soppitt, in mitigation, said: "The local authority went around the streets pushing his photograph in every letterbox. He was incensed and he sought out the street wardens.

"While he has been in custody he has embarked on education and also a painting and decorating course."

Gibson, of Saltersgill Avenue, Middlesbrough, was sentenced to 18 months detention and training after pleading guilty to the robbery on September 7 last year.

Darren Foreman, 19, of Hoylakes Road, Middlesbrough, who admitted causing an affray in the pizza shop was sentenced to 12 months in a young offenders institution with 256 days re-call from a previous sentence to be served consecutively.