A TEENAGER who caused problems in his village has been given a three-year anti-social behaviour order (Asbo).

Christopher Barnett, 15, of Wood View, Trimdon Station, did not oppose the order, which was made by North Durham magistrates on the application of the county police force's Asbo unit

The order's terms include prohibitions on assaulting, harassing, threatening, intimidating or abusing people, damaging or stealing property, being under the influence of alcohol or drugs in public places, and going within 100 yards of Waycot Stores, in Wingate Road, Deaf Hill, and the Colliery Community Centre, Trimdon Colliery.

He must not enter or loiter near the Rural Youth Project Bus and must not enter premises he has been barred from or stay anywhere he is asked to leave.

He is also prohibited from inciting or encouraging others to behave in a way that is banned by the order.

The court heard that Barnett had indulged in a catalogue of anti-social behaviour, which included threatening people going into Waycot Stores, firing a BB gun at passers-by and cars, and causing problems for the Rural Youth Project Bus that visited the village.

He was banned from the bus by youth workers because of his behaviour but on one occasion forced his way on board and was abusive.

Youth workers switched to holding sessions at the Colliery Community Centre, but Barnett caused problems, including climbing on roofs and running through the building.

The project was stopped from using the building and had to hire a coach to take youngsters out of the village.

PC Rick Callaghan, of Durham Police's northern command community safety department, welcomed the granting of the order and said an interim order already appeared to have had an effect on Barnett's behaviour.