The 17-year-old youth from Shiremoor was sentenced to carry out 40 hours community punishment order following his conviction for common assault and given a two-year ASBO when he appeared before North Tyneside Magistrates Court on Tuesday, April 22.

Sergeant Bob Rushbrooke, of Whitley Bay Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: "This young man has been arrested more than a dozen times since the age of ten for a variety of offences including assault, shoplifting, robbery and public order offences. He has caused major problems for people living in the Shiremoor area and also for local shops who have also suffered as a result of his behaviour.

"The Neighbourhood Policing Team listened to the concerns of the community and worked with them to secure this ASBO. We hope this teenager will view it as an opportunity to change his future behaviour and stop offending."

The ASBO bans the youth from entering Spar and Park Stores on Park Lane, Shiremoor and forbids him from entering the area of the Miner's Bungalows on Park Lane.

He is also prohibited from committing any public order offences against anyone in North Tyneside or on the Metro system.

Sgt Rushbrooke said:"It's the first time that community support officers in Shiremoor have carried out the work to prepare, research and submit an ASBO application to the court.

"This shows they perform a trusted and valuable role within the community to help make North Tyneside safe.

"Anyone who has concerns about anti-social behaviour and youth disorder is asked to contact their Neighbourhood Policing Team on 03456 043 043."