Ban placed on unruly youth

Feb 5 2008 By Paul Bradley

A TEENAGE troublemaker has been banned from Kidderminster town centre after terrorising shopkeepers and store assistants.

James Benjamin Loveridge, 15, of Cobham Road, Kidderminster, had been causing havoc in the town by flashing at pedestrians, causing mayhem outside local nightspots and riding his bike in pedestrianised areas.

He had also been a persistent nuisance to staff at shops as well as causing disorder at the town library.

Now Kidderminster magistrates have slapped Loveridge with a three year anti-social behaviour order.

He is now banned from entering anywhere inside the town's ring road, Park Lane, Crossley retail park, and King Charles 1 School and its grounds.

PC Clive Llewellyn, of Kidderminster Police, said: "Loveridge has been responsible for a disproportionate amount of anti-social behaviour in the town centre.

"Shoppers and store staff have a right to be protected from this type of behaviour, and if Loveridge breaks the order he can face a jail sentence of up to five years, which we hope will act as a deterrent."

The terms of the ASBO also stop Loveridge from using violence, threatening or abusive language or gestures towards anyone, riding a bike on footpaths, damaging property, flashing, and harassment.