A NIGHTMARE neighbour who put the residents of a quiet street through a "living hell" faces five years behind bars if she goes to the area again.

Joanne Burnett has been banned from Brewer Terrace in Ryhope, Sunderland, as part of a three-year anti-social behaviour order imposed by magistrates.

The 25-year-old could also be jailed if her actions cause "harassment, alarm or distress" to anyone living in the street or if she incites others to do so.

Tormented by a three-year drink-fuelled campaign of violence and abuse, residents issued housing chiefs with an ultimatum: "Move her out or we will all leave".

That prompted Sunderland Housing Group to issue court injunctions banning Burnett from the Brewer Terrace home of her mother, Joan.

But even after the orders were served, she was back causing trouble.

Police said Wednesday's successful application for an anti-social behaviour order against Burnett should end her campaign of terror.

PC Owain Harris, of the Sunderland South Task Force, said: "For three years, Joanne Burnett has been a constant thorn in the side for her neighbours and the police.

"This case sends out a message to nuisance neighbours, like her, that their behaviour will not be tolerated."

Residents, working with police and housing chiefs, charted Burnett's rowdy behaviour daily, and even captured some of her outbursts on video.

Shirley Duckworth, for Burnett, said she was as anxious an anyone to conclude the case.

Ms Duckworth said: "There are two sides to every story. It is right to say there have been offences in the street where Joanne used to live with her mother, but, on occasion, she would say she was the victim of harassment herself.

"She does accept that, particularly if she has had a drink, she allows her temper to get the better of her."

Burnett has now moved to Pallion, where she is getting on well with her neighbours, the court heard.