THE ringleader of a teenage gang in Franche has been banned from parts of Kidderminster after a five-year campaign of terror.

Sixteen-year-old Myers Donohue, of Audley Drive, was yesterday handed a two-year anti-social behaviour order by Kidderminster Magistrates who warned him any breach could lead to prison.

The Wolverley High School pupil, who plans to join the army and grinned as defence solicitor Alan Bryce cross-examined witnesses, has been barred from Franche Middle and First schools, as well as two houses in Laburnum Drive and Chestnut Grove and all Co-op stores.

Witnesses said Donohue and other youths had made their life a misery with a campaign of verbal abuse and threatening behaviour.

Asian shopkeeper Mahan Lal, who runs Audley News next door to Myers' house, said the teenager spent years racially abusing him and his wife.

He added the abuse - which included spitting and tapping on his windows and intimidating customers - had had affected his quality of life.

"Life has been a pain with this boy and I am here today to tell the court that he must be stopped."

Another witness, Doreen Samways, said Donohue and a gang of youths had intimidated her and her grandson Damien, a former friend of Donohue's, by banging on the door of their house in Chestnut Grove.

On one occasion Donohue cut off their electricity supply because they did not open the door, she added.

"Myers made my life and Damien's what I can only describe as a living hell."

Other damning reports came from the manager of Franche Road Co-op Christopher Sainsbury, who said Donohue abused and intimidated his staff and customers.

However the teenager's grandfather John Lancaster refuted Mr Sainsbury's allegations, saying he offered his grandson a job after making his statement to the police.

Mr Lancaster said he had a conversation with Mr Sainsbury on September 26 when he claimed the manager said: "I'm not going to court because it was six months ago and none of my staff have reported any more incidents involving Myers."

However, West Mercia Police solicitor Catherine Girvan pointed out many people had said Donohue caused them harassment and alarm. "And he is not prepared to stand up in front of you to say 'No I did not'," she added.

Donohue's solicitor Alan Bryce replied the teenager had not spoken because he did not need to prove anything and asked magistrates not to make the order.

He said his defendant's behaviour had improved considerably - the last incident reported to police was in May - and much of the police evidence was based on hearsay.

However, chairman of the bench Michael Gough concluded: "We accept that there has been no trouble recently but that is not something we can take into account."

He told Donohue: "We found that your behaviour over the relevant period was totally unacceptable and not something the people of Franche should have to put up with.

"If you break this order you are very likely to go to prison for a considerable time."