A ban preventing the media from naming a Middlesbrough boy who is the subject of an anti-social behaviour order (Asbo) has been upheld by a judge.

Middlesbrough Council and the Evening Gazette newspaper had appealed against a court order which kept the 14-year-old's identity a secret.

However the appeal was rejected by a judge in a civil hearing at Teesside Combined Courts on Monday afternoon.

After the hearing, Evening Gazette Editor Steve Dyson said the decision was a dilution of justice.

'Festive warning'

Mr Dyson said residents in parts of Middlesbrough had been worried about the offences the teenager had committed.

During the youth's hearing at Teesside Magistrates' Court last week, District Judge James Prowse banned publication of the youth's identity until 8 January 2003, pending any possible appeal.

As part of the Asbo, the 14-year-old is barred from entering the area of Union Street to Princes Road and Glebe Road to Diamond Road until he is 18.

Mr Dyson also said he had wanted to be able to warn people living in the area before the festive period begins.