Three teenagers have been barred for two years from shops near their homes in York's first anti-social behaviour order.

Police applauded the decision and warned that others could face similar bans under the new Crime and Disorder Act, which is aimed at curbing neighbourhood menaces.

It is believed to be only the second order in the country naming more than one person and was welcomed by councillors, shopkeepers and the city's MP.

But the oldest teenager, Patrick Harris, 18, immediately announced he will appeal against the order and protested that he is not anti-social.

The other two, Gary Dunn, 16, and Jason Stewart, 15, are consulting the trio's solicitor, John Howard, and may also appeal.

All three could be arrested and jailed if they breach the order.

Stipendiary magistrate Ian Gillespie told them: "It is quite clear that your anti-social behaviour has caused considerable annoyance, distress and indeed financial loss to business people and residents in the area."

He lifted an order banning identification of the two youngest at the request of the Evening Press.

The three were barred from going on the Old Imperial Hotel site in Clifton or within 50 metres of any business premises in Crichton Avenue, Clifton; from approaching their owners or staff; or committing public order offences, criminal damage or breaches of the peace anywhere within York. The court heard shop staff, residents and police had alleged the three had been abusive and threatening and had caused criminal damage.

At a civil hearing at York Magistrates Court brought by the City of York Council working with York police, Mr Harris, of Crombie Avenue, Clifton, and Gary and Jason, both of Burton Green, Clifton, admitted their behaviour last summer justified making an order, and the council did not ask for the shops ban.

But the ban was imposed under protests from the trio's barristers that it would be "draconian" and that there had been no trouble since last September.

Glen Mountain, 20, of Lucas Avenue, Clifton, denied anti-social behaviour and no order was made against him. Proceedings against other youths were dropped at an earlier stage for legal reasons.

After the hearing, Mr Harris said he supported the legislation, but not its use against himself.

"It should be done to people who are committing crimes round about. It could stop them," he said.

"I am very shocked by what he (the magistrate) has done. I've behaved myself. I've not been in any trouble for eight to ten months. I have tried my best, I have tried to sort myself out."

He said he had only accepted the making of an order because he understood it would not include the shops' ban and he claimed that he had the backing of local residents.

Because of the order, he now has difficulty visiting his girlfriend who lives in the area.

Supt John Lacy, head of York police, said officers would not hesitate to press for further orders if there was more disorder on the city's estates.

Inspector Tim Madgwick, who led the police operation, said: "This is part of an ongoing process of joint working between North Yorkshire police and the council. It shows that together we will use all the legal powers available to improve the quality of life for residents of York."

Councillor Viv Kind, who chairs the City of York Council's Housing Committee, said: 'This is very good news for the majority of York residents and sends a clear message to the minority who cause nuisance that it will not be tolerated."

York's MP, Hugh Bayley, said: "I know only too well - from calls and letters to my office as well as from the Evening Press - what residents and businesses in the Crichton Avenue area have had to put up with from anti-social behaviour by a small number of young people."

He congratulated the police and council on working effectively together to curb anti-social behaviour.

Traders in Crichton Avenue welcomed the action and said they hoped it would act as a deterrent to others, although most asked not to be named fearing they would be targeted by youths.

One, whose business has been repeatedly attacked by youths, said: "It is good news and I hope the young people who cause trouble in this area will take note.

"But these orders will only work if the police back it up. Hopefully it will improve the situation."

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