A BEMERTON Heath boy, who "caused his community to live in fear" has become the first person in south Wiltshire to be made the subject of an antisocial behaviour order.

The court order, secured by Salisbury district council with the support of the police, puts an end to the 14-year old's reign of terror, which has seen him persistently harass, alarm and distress adults and children alike.

Lesley Waller, head of community initiatives at the council, said: "There were complaints from the community where he lives about his antisocial behaviour and how it disturbs the peace.

"Let's just say it was causing them to live in fear."

For more than a year, the boy, who cannot be named for legal reasons, terrorised people throughout the city, particularly those on the Bemerton Heath estate, and at Westwood St Thomas School and the John Ivie Centre, in Brown Street.

Incidents included threatening and intimidating witnesses, bullying, shouting foul and abusive language, assaulting schoolchildren, shoplifting and burglary.

In fact, his name was made known to the police on no fewer than 29 occasions last year - 11 of which resulted in arrest.

One particularly serious incident involved the intimidation of vulnerable, elderly residents late at night, while on another occasion he head-butted and punched a pupil, with no apparent motive for the vicious assault.

The 14-year-old had already agreed to the terms of an acceptable behaviour contract last October but three arrests since then resulted in the application for an antisocial behaviour order, prohibiting the repetition of his objectionable conduct.

Councillor John Cole-Morgan, portfolio holder for community and housing, said: "There are currently a number of people who have signed acceptable behaviour contracts with the police and council and we are pleased with the progress that these contracts are having on their behaviour.

"However, the antisocial behaviour order served on Monday relates to one individual who is in breach of that contract."

He added: "Whilst mindful of the impact these restrictions will have on a young person and the seriousness of such orders, the council has a duty to residents and must take action to protect their safety and well-being."

The order, which has been imposed until the youth's 18th birthday, specifies a number of restrictions that, if breached, would be dealt with as a criminal matter.

These include entering any school within the Salisbury area without the express permission of the headteacher and a night-time curfew that prevents him from being in a certain area without an adult or guardian.

A police spokesman said: "Antisocial behaviour orders are not initiated lightly.

"They are considered a last resort after all other courses of action, including antisocial behaviour contracts, have failed.

"Anyone who is the subject of an ASBO must, therefore, consider themselves under tight scrutiny, and failure to comply will result in action in a criminal court."

Antisocial behaviour orders are not just applicable to youths though - magistrates may make an order against anyone aged ten or over.

Furthermore, it is not just the police and councils who may apply for one.

Housing associations have recently been granted similar powers, and are set to use them for the first time in Salisbury later this month.