By Justin Dunn

A BOY of 12 has been issued with an "acceptable behaviour contract" after conducting a reign of terror in his neighbourhood.

The youngster was one of three youths who caused havoc in Brombrough by throwing missiles, damaging property, engaging in threatening behaviour and verbally abusing and intimidating their neighbours.

Merseyside Police and Wirral Council's Neighbour Nuisance Team brought the action against the youth - along with his 11-year-old brother and a friend of 14 - in response from complaints from residents.

The boys, who cannot be named for legal reasons, are all now subject acceptable behaviour contracts.

If they breach the agreement, it's likely that an application could be made for an Anti-Social Behaviour Order at the Magistrates' Court.

Under the contract, the youth has agreed not to:

q Use threatening, abusive or insulting language within hearing of any person not of the same household as himself;

q Use or threaten to use violence towards any person not of the same household as himself;

q Cause or threaten to cause damage to another's property or personal belongings;

q Act in a drunken or disorderly manner in a public place;

q Steal or attempt to steal any goods from any shop, petrol station, bookmakers or other retail outfit;

q Obstruct the police in their duty or attempt to escape from lawful custody;

q Enter Wirral Education Centre in Acre Lane, Brombrough, or the Co-op Store on Allport Road.

Acceptable behaviour contracts are the 'last chance' before Anti-Social Behaviour Orders. Breach of an ASBO by someone under 18 can lead to a detention period of up to two years or a fine, or both.

The Neighbour Nuisance Team claims to have resolved over 250 cases since its inception four years ago.

Wirral Council's director of housing Brian Simpson said: "We hope this will deter the youth, his brother and friend from repeating their appalling behaviour."