A 16-year-old boy has been made the subject of a two-year Criminal Behaviour Order after pleading guilty to 20 offences at Southend Youth Court.

Kye Lewis, of Coleman Street, Southend pleaded guilty to offences including common assault, driving without a licence, driving without insurance, possession of cannabis and shoplifting on October 1, 2015.

The Criminal Behaviour Order, which is the first granted against a youth in the Southend area since their introduction, bans him from hanging around in a group of more than five people (including himself) between 6pm and 7am.

It also prevents him from using abusive, insulting or intimidating language or behaviour towards any member of the public and entering Newington Avenue, Canterbury Avenue, Sherwood Way, Whittingham Avenue, Archer Avenue, Poynings Avenue, Bournes Green Park. The teen is also banned from Royal Artillery Way unless he is in a vehicle and accompanied by an adult relative.

Kye Lewis also received a 10 month referral order to the Youth Offending Service. The Criminal Behaviour Order will be reviewed after 12 months.

Southend District Commander Chief Insp Simon Anslow said: "Working with Southend Multi-Agency Anti-social behaviour Response Team and South Essex Homes, we’ve taken a big step towards improving the lives of the residents in Sherwood Way and surrounding streets by obtaining a Criminal Behaviour Order.

"We cannot allow anyone of any age to cause so much disorder and upset to others without taking firm action. Most young people just want to enjoy themselves and some push the boundaries as they grow up, but it this case a line was crossed and strong restrictions were necessary to protect the public from a young man’s disgraceful behaviour.

"We will now work closely with the Youth Offending Service to bring about lasting change in Kye’s behaviour and will continue to work with Southend Borough Council and South Essex Homes to reduce the harm from anti-social behaviour in Sherwood Way.”

Breach of the Criminal Behaviour Order is a criminal offence. Anyone with information to suggest conditions of the order have been breached is asked to call Essex Police on 101.