POLICE in Herefordshire have slapped an Anti-Social Behaviour Order on a 14-year old youth in an attempt to curb his foul language and bad behaviour.

Gavin Mark Barratt is the fourth person to receive an ASBO, which will remain in place for a further three years.

Police opted to enforce the order following a string of complaints made to the authorities about him.

The ASBO is a course of action dealt with by a civil court and is considered over and above normal criminal proceedings.

It is deemed appropriate where anti-social behaviour includes intimidating neighbours and others through threats and violence, or through a mixture of unpleasant actions and persistent unruly behaviour.

Now magistrates have stipulated that Barratt, of Hinton, must comply with six specific conditions, including refraining from using foul or abusive language or encouraging others to do so and to not use threatening behaviour in any public place within Hereford city.

Nor is he allowed to enter the buildings or grounds of Haywood High School, or enter Lime Grove, except to visit family or go into Hinton Avenue.

"These orders are placed on individuals who are not necessarily repetitive criminals, but are repetitive nuisances to the local community," said PC Robin Davies. "The order was not an easy option, but was the most fitting and we hope it will have a positive effect."