A CHARFORD teenager who has made residents lives a living hell for almost a year has finally seen the long arm of the law.

Thirteen-year-old Jamie Lawson was issued with an anti-social behaviour order after causing misery for townsfolk in the Charford area since last May.

The order, which was secured at Droitwich Magistrates last Thursday, is the first of its kind for Bromsgrove.

Reports against Lawson, of Collis Close include assault, spitting, swearing, throwing stones and causing damage to property.

The order will last 30 months and states he cannot use or encourage foul, threatening and abusive gestures in any public place throughout the district of Bromsgrove.

He is also not allowed to do anything, which causes alarm, harassment or distress to any resident and is banned from entering parts of Austin Road, Charford.

Sergeant Steve Tristram said Bromsgrove police had started working on this case in July 2002 and took several months gathering more than 20 statements, taking over 50 hours.

"Historically it has been difficult to police this type of sub-criminal behaviour until this legislation was introduced. Unfortunately there is no overnight cure for this type of behaviour but these orders are the most effective way of dealing with individuals, very often youngsters, who insist on making peoples lives a misery," he said.

Town police have been working in partnership with Bromsgrove District Council's Community Safety Project to secure the order.

Community safety support officer Sally Huebner said: "We have developed very strong links with the police to address anti-social behaviour in Bromsgrove."

Sgt Tristram added: "The evidence gathering and legal process can take months before the order is put in place, however the feedback we have from local traders and members of the public in other areas where these orders have been placed has been positive.

"Hopefully, as this is the first anti-social behaviour order to be granted in the area, it will send out a clear message that the police will not tolerate this type of behaviour," he added.

He went on to say he hoped the quality of life would improve for the people affected by this youngster.