A TEENAGER has been warned that he could be locked up if he continues to misbehave.

John Robert Thomas Grimes, 16, had a two-year Anti-Social Behaviour Order imposed on him by Sedgefield Magistrates.

It followed an application from Sedgefield Borough Council, which said Grimes had been involved in anti-social behaviour for more than a year.

The court heard Grimes had abused, threatened and harassed staff and customers on numerous occasions at commercial premises in the Horndale and Redhouse areas of Newton Aycliffe. He had exposed residents in Linden Place and surrounding streets to similar behaviour.

Magistrates were told Grimes, of Langdale Place, Newton Aycliffe, had joined in the riding of an excessively loud motorbike, driven in a dangerous manner.

The order prevents Grimes from taking part in any anti-social behaviour and prohibits him from inciting, encouraging, or assisting any other person to engage in such acts in the town.

The court relaxed previous reporting restrictions, allowing Grimes to be named.

The application by Sedgefield Borough Council follows a similar order granted against Shaun Hutchinson, a neighbour of Grimes, who was given an Anti-Social Behaviour Order on June 29.

If, without reasonable excuse, Grimes or Hutchinson do anything prohibited under the terms of the order, they are liable on conviction of up to five years imprisonment, a fine, or both.

Commenting on the court's decision, Peter Devlin, solicitor for Sedgefield Borough Council, said: "The order illustrates the council's commitment to take proceedings of this nature to protect the interests of the people within Sedgefield borough.