A TEENAGER alleged to have moved from petty damage to 'hate crimes' and robbery has been banned from a town centre.

Maruf Yousaf, 15, has also been told he must steer clear of four pals as part of an anti-social behaviour order imposed by Burnley magistrates.

Defence solicitor Geoff Ireland said Yousaf, of Chapel Street, Brierfield, will be fighting the making of a full ASBO when he returns to court on August 21.

But magistrates chairman Mr C Creelman said the court was satisfied, after reading a file of statements related to Yousaf's 'escalating' bad behaviour that he must face restrictions before his next court date.

The teenager is not allowed to associate with Shakeel Hussain, Hassan Ahmed, Fayzal Anwar or Qadir Ahmed, 'save and except for attending educational or pre-arranged court hearings, or for religious purposes’ within the Burnley and Pendle areas.

He was also barred from going within an area bordered by Burnley Road, Castle Street, Richard Street, Walter Street, Mount Street and Stanley Street in Brierfield, unless supervised by an adult.

Lancashire Police had brought proceedings against the youngster due to his 'increasing levels of anti-social behaviour, hate crime, criminal damage and robbery, escalating over a period of time'.

Mr Ireland said the town centre restriction may prevent Yousaf from attending a new youth centre in Brierfield.

But magistrates ruled that, providing the 15-year-old was accompanied to the location by an adult, there should be no difficulty with his participation.

Mr Ireland did secure the removal of one condition, preventing Yousaf engaging in behaviour 'likely to cause harassment, alarm or distress' as it mirrored a public order offence for which he could be justifiably arrested in any event.