Magistrates have slapped an ASBO on a foul-mouthed mother-of-four after her racist ranting forced neighbours to seek refuge by sleeping in their cellar.

Jobless single-mum Lauren Beckham agreed to accept the three-year anti-social behaviour order when she appeared before Bradford and Keighley magistrates yesterday.

Standing quietly in the dock, Beckham, 31, accepted the order banning her from shouting, swearing and banging and upsetting neighbours.

Problems began the moment she and her children, aged between 12 and one, moved into Hope View, Shipley, last July, the court was told.

A thick schedule of complaints compiled by Bradford Council’s ASBO officer John Crossland included reports from neighbours shocked by Beckham’s high volume verbal abuse of her children.

She frequently screamed obscene insults at her mixed-race children. When neighbours tried to calm her down, they would be met with similar tirades of gutter language.

Beckham, who lives on income support and child benefits, moved out of that privately-rented house two months ago and now lives in Leylands Lane, Heaton, Bradford, where there have already been similar complaints, the court was told.

Clare Larton, prosecuting, told the bench that agreement had been reached and that Beckham was prepared to accept an order, which she had contested until that moment.

Referring to the three-year ASBO and an application for costs of £300, Mrs Larton asked magistrates: “We simply ask you to endorse the order as sought.”

Bill Rawstron, for Beckham, said while not conceding lightly, she agreed it was an appropriate order.

Beckham was told she was now prohibited from acting in any anti-social manner within the Bradford district – and specifically shouting, screaming, and banging in a place of residence.

Speaking after the hearing, Mr Crossland said the Council was concerned for the welfare of Beckham’s children, but added: “We will put the victims of anti-social behaviour at the top of our list.”

Neighbour Carol Gatenby was one of those driven to complain by Beckham’s offensive actions – and even had to move out of her bedroom due to the constant racket.

“It was so bad that she and her husband had to convert their cellar into a bedroom and sometimes sleep there because of the noise,” Mr Crossland said.

On the court steps, Mrs Gatenby, 52, said she was delighted Beckham had moved from Hope View.

“It was just sheer hell, absolutely horrendous living next door to them.

“And since she left, it’s heaven.”