A teenage tearaway who terrorised a community for almost a year was today behind bars.

The 17-year-old, who cannot be named for legal reasons, harassed shopkeepers in Eastwood and threatened them with violence, a court heard.

Yesterday he was placed in secure detention and handed a restraining order banning him from the three stores and contacting the staff he victimised.

The teenager could also be placed under an anti-social behaviour order if further proceedings get under way.

He was convicted of three charges of harassment between January and October last year at Alldays and the post office, both in Rayleigh Road, and the BP garage in Eastwood Road.

He pleaded guilty to two of the offences but denied the post office harassment. He was sentenced to a four-month detention and training order, with half spent on a community supervision order.

Published Thursday, May 22, 2003

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