This is Liam Walsh. He may only be 13 but it is claimed he turned parts of Penhill into no-go zones. The courts have ruled he must stay away from areas of the community. If you see him where he shouldn't be, ring police on 528111.

A TEENAGER alleged to be the ringleader of a gang accused of turning parts of Penhill into a no-go zone has been banned by magistrates from going to specific areas and causing trouble.

Liam Walsh, 13, of Corsham Road, Penhill, is the first youngster in Wiltshire to receive an interim Anti-Social Behaviour Order, restricting his movements day and night.

Only one other boy in the county has a been given a full ASBO, since they were introduced by the Government in 1998.

He was a 14-year-old boy from Highworth who cannot be named for legal reasons.

Swindon magistrates heard that Walsh was alleged to be one of a gang of youngsters causing a nuisance at Braydon Court, Clive Parade and Everleigh Road Community Centre.

The group is also alleged to have misbehaved at Penhill Library, the Penhill IT Centre and the John Moulton Hall.

Representing Swindon Council, Francis Maples told magistrates: "The kernel of ASBO philosophy is that they are about community protection. At this stage we are aiming for the protection of the 2,500 households and 10,000 people of Penhill."

Mr Maples and the Swindon Evening Advertiser opposed defence solicitor Rob Ross' argument that Walsh's identity be protected due to his age and the allegations being of boisterous as opposed to criminal behaviour.

Mr Maples said: "It's not boisterous to endanger road safety by pretending to put a rope across the road and throwing objects at passing buses.

"It's not boisterous to cause distress to elderly people to the extent that they don't want to go outdoors at night. The community should be protected, and if they know his identity they would be able to complain about him."

Magistrates rejected the defence application not to name Walsh.

They imposed an interim ASBO, stating :

He should not congregate outdoors in Penhill with members of the Hanratty family of Fyfield Avenue.

He should not go outdoors with Jack Young of Newton Way.

He should not go outdoors with Jamie Daly of Penhill Drive.

He should not loiter within 20 yards of Braydon Court unless at the shops with his parents.

He should not loiter within 10 yards of Clive Parade.

He should observe a curfew from 9pm to 7am every night except Fridays, when it will be extended to 10.30pm.

He should not loiter within 20 yards of Everleigh Road Commun-ity Centre.

He should not go to Penhill Library, the IT Centre or any part of the John Moulton Hall.

After the hearing both Walsh and his father, Robin, declined to comment. But Penhill beat police officer PC Paul Phelps said: "My reaction is that if it helps prevent problems it can only be a good thing. We have to get youths to engage with us and not upset people in Penhill. It has got to the point where it has been said that people are being made to feel it is a no-go area."

Cheri Wright, Swindon's Anti Social Behaviour co-ordinator, said: "I think this is leading the way in tackling anti-social behaviour and we are setting the precedent now."

Magistrates adjourned the hearing until July 17 when the council will return to court and make a full ASBO application against Walsh.

In the meantime Swindon council housing officer Mark Walker confirmed that in the next week the council would be making a leaflet drop to the 2,500 households in Penhill identifying Walsh and explaining his interim ASBO. "It is about empowering the community to tackle these issues," he said.

Swindon Council leader Mike Bawden (Con, Old Town & Lawns) said: "The granting of this order demonstrates very clearly that Swindon Council and the courts are not prepared to tolerate anti-social behaviour."