SIXTEEN year-old Nicky Appleton of Keble Grove, Leigh is the 20th youth to receive an anti-social behaviour order from Wigan Council.

The order follows a Government move to urge councils to crack down on abusive, threatening and offensive behaviour.

Appleton's order was implemented by district Judge Tapp after the efforts of various agencies including youth offending and educational welfare failed to curb his abusive behaviour and criminal activity.

Residents were too frightened to give evidence against the youth who terrorised the estate known locally as the 'Trees,' with a tirade of vehicle crime, joyriding and theft.

The order now prevents Appleton from congregating in groups of more than four people, associating with four other named individuals and entering the 'Trees' estate.

Anti-social behaviour orders can be applied for locally through the magistrates' court against an individual over the age of 10.

Orders are sanctioned by the Community Safety Partnership's Positive Action team in order to protect individuals or a community.

Breaching an anti-social behaviour order without reasonable excuse, is a criminal offence punishable with a custodial sentence.

Wigan Councillor and Cabinet Member for Community Safety, Keith Cunliffe said: "Hopefully, people will get the message that causing harassment and distress to others will not go unpunished."