ATTEMPTS are to be made to calm a teenage nuisance by helping him to take part in his favourite pastime - fishing.

Restrictions were yesterday agreed to curb the activities of 16-year-old Derek Williams, who has plagued the people of Burnhope, near Stanley, County Durham, in recent months with his general loutish behaviour.

A two-year anti-social behaviour order (Asbo) was imposed by Durham magistrates following a police application.

It prevents Williams, of Langley Avenue, Burnhope, consuming or possessing alcohol in open places, throwing objects at people and property, damaging property, using offensive or indecent words and gestures in public, intimidating or threatening members of the public, or encouraging others to commit any of the above acts.

He is also not to be in the company of three other named youths in public.

The restrictions apply across County Durham, as Williams is said to have caused problems not only in Burnhope, but also in Stanley.

Magistrates' chairman Bill Brown warned Williams that breaching any of the conditions would put him at risk of being given a detention order.

"Over a long period of time, you have been causing bother to people.

"It is, therefore, necessary to take this measure for the protection of people in the locality from the actions of yourself."

The magistrates refused to impose any restrictions over publicising the order.

Mr Brown said: "The world at large in County Durham has to know you are under this order, and, therefore, a lot of eyes are watching you."

Agreeing to the imposition of the order, barrister Alison Howey, representing Williams, told the court he is one of three sons of a single mother who works shifts.

She said he suffers the hyperactivity disorder ADHD and is on ritalin, but she added that in the small rural community of Burnhope, many of his problems stem from boredom.

"His only interest is fishing, but it invariably involves licenses and money he does not have."

But hearing this, North Durham Asbo officer PC Mick Hayton told Mrs Howey arrangements can be made to enable Williams to go on a free police-run fishing course for young people.