A TEENAGE boy from Evesham who twice broke an anti-social behaviour order within weeks of it being imposed has narrowly avoided a custodial sentence.

Magistrates at Worcester Youth Court told the 17-year-old, who cannot be named for legal reasons, that he was a 'very fortunate young man'.

The court heard last Wednesday that the order was made on Thursday, August 26. The conditions of the order included not harassing or causing distress to anyone for four years.

Sally Hill, prosecuting, said he was part of a group in the town's Abbey Park who verbally abused a 16-year-old girl on Tuesday, August 31.

Mrs Hill said the girl was a Goth - a member of a youth cult distinguished by black clothing - and was abused after she left her group to go home.

"She walked past a number of others in a group, including the defendant. The group began to verbally pick on her," she said.

"The defendant said she was worthless and that she should go home. She said that made her feel vulnerable and intimidated."

Mrs Hill said the second incident again happened in Abbey Park, on Sunday, September 19.

A teenage girl was watching her boyfriend play football when she heard the defendant call her a 'slag'.

Muyrick Williams, defending, said since the two incidents his client, who admitted the two charges at a previous hearing, had stayed out of trouble and was at college.

"He's hoping to gain a qualification in mechanics. He's concerned about his long-term future," said Mr Williams.

The teenager was made the subject of a 12-month supervision order.