A TEENAGE troublemaker has become the latest person in Preston to be kept in check by an anti-social behaviour order.

Police officers have been fighting to have the order placed on Joshua Hampson, 14, of Brackenbury Road, for months.

Now the youngster is banned from locations including the bus station and Fishergate Shopping Centre, and also from hanging around in gangs, for the next two years.

But Preston Magistrate's Court was told that if Joshua's behaviour improves, the conditions of the order can be changed.

Defence solicitor Jeff Brailsford said: "He knows that if he behaves himself there is a silver lining at the end of the cloud."

PC Phil Spencer of Fulwood police said had been seen on the roof of his local primary school, had threatened youngsters in the area, and had caused trouble across the town centre.

He said: "Even though Joshua is only 14 he has been involved in or has instigated an alarmingly high number of anti-social incidents which have greatly affected the quality of life for many people. Hopefully the granting of this order will make Joshua realise he can no longer get away with behaviour of such a manner."

If Joshua, currently in a secure unit, breaks the anti-social behaviour order he is guilty of a criminal offence, and could face up to five years in prison.