Hundreds of homes on Teesside could be given pictures of a teenager whose actions have forced 20 families from their homes.

In the first move of its kind in the North East, photographs and posters of teenage criminal Nathan Patton may be distributed throughout Middlesbrough.

Patton, 16, is the subject of an anti-social behaviour order, banning him from several areas of the town.

Now council bosses and Cleveland Police are considering handing out photographs so members of the public can report any future wrongdoing.

We are going to crack down in any way we can to stamp out anti-social behaviour

Barry Coppinger, Middlesbrough Council

The move follows a similar successful exercise which was carried out recently in Manchester.

The proposed naming-and-shaming follows Middlesbrough mayor Ray Mallon's pledge to cut crime in the town by 15% by "reclaiming our streets".

Middlesbrough Borough Council won a four-year anti-social behaviour order banning the teenager from a number of streets, from the Viewley Hill Shopping Centre and Hemlington Recreation Centre.

Patton, of Enderby Gardens, Hemlington, was banned from entering a number of streets in the Hemlington area at Teesside Magistrates Court on Thursday.

'Human rights'

Chairman of the magistrates bench, Justice David Powells, said: "It is right and proper the individual be named.

"Hearing the evidence and the case law, and we have taken into account the human rights of the defendant, we feel it right he should be named."

A spokesman for Middlesbrough Borough Council, said: "We are considering issuing photographs, but a decision has not been taken.

"It has been used successfully in Manchester, and we think it is right for local people to know who the wreckers are.

"They should be able to report them the moment they are back to their bad behaviour."

Magistrates heard Patton led a gang whose antics forced 22 residents to quit their homes in Hemlington.

The court heard the gang commonly burned out cars.

'Positive action'

James Fenny, representing Patton, left the court after his client failed to show up for the hearing.

Barry Coppinger, executive councillor in Middlesbrough for law and order, said: "We are going to crack down in any way we can to stamp out anti-social behaviour."

Inspector Andy Stohlner, of Cleveland Police, said: "This is another example of the partnership working between the police and the council.

"Most importantly, it shows that when residents are prepared to make a stand, positive action can be taken against individuals to curb their conduct."

Mandy Walker, enforcement team manager with Middlesbrough Council, said: "Residents have been living in fear of these youths.

"The Council will not allow them to gain control of our estate."