Asbo served on 10-year-old thief

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A 10-year-old boy from South Yorkshire who stole from his family to fund a drug habit has been given an Anti-social Behaviour Order (Asbo).

Lewis Green, of Kexborough, Barnsley, was beyond his parents' control, a district judge heard on Monday.

The judge granted an Asbo to Barnsley Council, which had cited misbehaviour including cannabis smoking, burglaries and threatening children with a knife.

The council said it had sought the Asbo "with regret and as a last resort".

But it added: "The anti-social behaviour engaged in was very serious, took place over a lengthy period, and included the use of weapons to threaten other children as well as taking drugs and alcohol.

"Therefore an order is necessary as there is a lack of parental control and where parents don't exercise control, society steps in."

Behaviour 'improved'

Lewis's mother, Stephanie Green, 39, said that her son's behaviour had improved since he was prescribed drugs to help him control his anger three months ago.

"Since I finally got him on medication he has been brilliant," she told the BBC.

"He has been going to school, he keeps out of trouble. He does not want to go out any more.

"Every time his so-called friends come knocking at the door he turns them away now."

The court was told Lewis had been excluded from a number of schools in the area, had stolen items from his family to buy alcohol and drugs, abused neighbours and damaged cars and fences.

'Bong' ban

Barnsley Council successfully applied for an interim Asbo last November which prevented him from engaging in anti-social behaviour, including possessing weapons, throwing missiles and possessing or using drugs or alcohol.

But, after a series of further incidents, the council decided it had no choice but to apply for a full two-year Asbo.

Granting the Asbo, district Judge Nalla Lawrence also lifted legal restrictions identifying the boy.

The Asbo includes a night-time curfew and a ban on communicating with six people who live near him.

He is also banned from possessing a "bong" - a water pipe - and other items associated with drugs, having alcohol or being drunk, throwing stones or eggs and possessing a knife or screwdriver in public.