Four teenage tearaways who terrorised an estate for three years have been landed with antisocial behaviour orders (Asbos).

The court orders were imposed on Frank Cooper, 14, of Grange Road, Pitsea, twins Aaron and Jason Cullen, 15, of Hartford End, Pitsea, and Liam Smith, 17, of Walthams Place, Pitsea.

Cooper becomes the youngest ever recipient of an Asbo in the Basildon area. Basildon Magistrates' Court heard how the boys were ringleaders of a gang of 16 youths who have blighted the estate, making residents' lives a misery.

Their antisocial behaviour ranged from graffiti, criminal damage, threats and intimidation to assaults and thefts.

They were described as having ruined the quality of life for residents on the estate and even causing stress-related health problems.

The Asbos mean each of the youths must abide by 15 conditions which include not seeing each other, not drinking alcohol or using drugs, and not wearing clothes that may conceal their identity.

Additionally Cooper must not enter the area of Pitsea between the A127 and the A13.

A full hearing will take place at Basildon Magistrates' Court on August 24.

Published Wednesday May 26, 2004

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