Asbo imposed on 10-year-old boy

The Asbo bans the boy from leaving his home at night

A 10-year-old accused of terrorising his neighbours has become one of the youngest people in England to receive an Anti-Social Behaviour Order (Asbo).

Ryan Wilkinson, from Harehills, has been banned from four areas of Leeds and told to stay away from 17 youths.

Leeds Magistrates' Court made the order after hearing that he was accused of burglary, glue-sniffing and assaulting a seven-year-old.

Councillor Les Carter said the city council was left with no other option.

Further inquiry

"We have already gone to considerable lengths to avoid this drastic action and to help to turn this child's life around. We will continue to do so," Mr Carter revealed on Wednesday.

"However, we cannot and will not tolerate this type of behaviour. The community is entitled to be protected from him. Whilst I appreciate a 10-year-old is very young to receive an Asbo this child's actions cannot be ignored.

"I have also asked officers to look into the actions of the other 17 named youths, some of whom already have Asbos issued against them."

The order prohibits the youngster from using public transport, using or threatening violence against a person, committing burglary or carrying or throwing an offensive weapon.

Future pledge

He is banned from being in a public place in West Yorkshire between 1900 GMT and 0730 GMT, unless accompanied by named family members.

A spokesman for Leeds Social Services has pledged to continue to support the youngster and his family.

He said: "We have been working closely with Ryan and his family for some time - and will continue to do so.

"As councillor Carter indicates, we don't give up on young people in Leeds, so we will do all we can to help Ryan in the future."