A CAR park nuisance who tried to obscure security cameras by licking the lens has been banned for harassing drivers.

Keith Farran, 27, of Wellington Street, Middlesbrough, was a prolific offender linked to aggressive begging in Stockton and Middlesbrough over a six-month period.

Teesside Magistrates' Court heard how Farran took money from motorists who believed he would wash their cars, but did not carry out the work.

When Farran was refused money, he started dancing around and gesticulating, before licking security cameras, owned by Wellington Square, to obscure the view. He also removed signs from car parks, prohibiting car washers.

Magistrates yesterday issued an interim anti-social behaviour order (Asbo).

Farran is banned from causing harassment, alarm or distress and from being verbally abusive.

He is also banned from entering any car park within the Cleveland Police area unless for legitimate reasons, and from approaching any person for payment for washing vehicles, whether or not the act is carried out.

Stockton Borough Council's Asbo team worked closely with Middlesbrough's Asbo team as Farran moved to Middlesbrough to carry out similar acts in the town centre.

Chris Dunwell, Asbo officer in Stockton, said: "This order has been made to prevent further people being deceived and harassed by Farran.

"Numerous warnings were made regarding this man's behaviour.

"People should be allowed to visit the town centre without being harassed by this man."

Councillor Paul Kirton, cabinet member for community safety, said: "Behaviour like this is unacceptable, whether it be in town centres or any other parts of the borough.

"Most people want to lead a quiet and normal life and the council's anti-social behaviour team will clamp down on anyone who chooses to cause nuisance or trouble for others."