POLICE said a court decision to name and shame a teenage tearaway was a victory for the public.

Teesside magistrates yesterday made Shaun Lindo, 16, of Lincoln Place, Thornaby, the subject of an Anti-Social Behaviour Order (Asbo).

He is now banned from entering the Mansfield Avenue area of Thornaby and police have revealed that ten other youngsters in the area were being closely watched.

Lindo has been accused of racial abuse, criminal damage, intimidation and throwing missiles at properties.

More than 20 complaints about him had been made to Stockton Borough Council this year.

He is banned from entering the Mansfield Avenue area for two years, causing alarm or disruption and has been specifically forbidden from throwing "eggs, mud, stones, or any other missiles".

Sergeant Dave Hill, of Thornaby police, hailed the decision as a stark warning to the other youths in the area.

He said: "This is a victory for the public of Thornaby.

"Asbo legislation gives the public a way to fight against intimidation and that's exactly what's happened here."

"It means they can come to us and not have to stand up in court."

Sgt Hill said the force sent letters to the homes of youngsters causing a nuisance. They were then signed up to a social contract and, if they continued offending, court action was taken.

He said: "We have ten others on contracts at the minute. This sentence should be a clear warning to them."

Sharon Carr, Stockton Borough Council's senior anti-social behaviour officer, said: "We are absolutely delighted for the people of the area. It is a real partnership between ourselves, police, media and, of course, the community that has made this happen."