Magistrates have imposed a three-year anti-social behaviour order on a 14-year-old boy to prevent him from further terrorising people on a Bradford housing estate.

Since last August Reece Godward has brought misery to the Holme Wood area, with a list of complaints against him ranging from racial abuse to arson, assault, threatening behaviour and criminal damage, Bradford and Keighley magistrates heard yesterday.

A partnership of social housing provider Incommunities, Bradford Council and West Yorkshire Police successfully applied to the court to make him subject to an ASBO which they say assures residents they are taking a zero tolerance approach to such behaviour.

Appearing in court with his mother, Donna Horsfall, the teenager was told that if he breaks the order he could be locked up for up to two years or fined.

Under the terms of the order he is barred from:

  • being on land that forms part of Carrwood Primary School or St Columba’s Primary School,
  • remaining in a shop, takeaway or library after being asked to leave by staff
  • entering any garden or residential property in Holme Wood without permission
  • acting or encouraging others to act in an anti-social way, using abusive words or behaviour or threatening language
  • associating with Aaron Harrison in a public place or associating with Tommy Lee Lowther in a public place without the presence of an adult responsible for him.

Making the order, chairman of the bench Kathryn Greenwood told him: “The things you are being prevented from doing are things nobody should be expected to do – that you should not upset, hurt or threaten other people. These are things you have no right to do.”

After the case, Detective Inspector Dianne Walsh, of Bradford District anti-social behaviour team, said: “This shows we will investigate all allegations of anti-social behaviour and bring prosecutions – we take a zero tolerance approach to behaviour like this.”

Inspector Andrew Addy, who leads the Tong and Wyke Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: “Anti-social behaviour often causes distress and upset among communities affected by it and we will continue to work with our partners to take action against those responsible.”

An Incommunities spokesman said: “We are committed to working closely with the police, residents and local partners to ensure our law-abiding customers are able to live safely and peacefully in their homes.

“We would urge any Incommunities customer who feels intimidated or threatened by anti-social behaviour where they live to report any incidents via our 24-hour reporting line on (01274) 254274.

“All reports will be dealt with confidentially and promptly.”