Lee Lewis, 17: two year ban

Four teenagers have been banned from a south Wales town centre after repeated anti-social behaviour.

It is believed to be the first time in Britain a whole gang has been taken to court under the government's anti-social behaviour laws.

The quartet have been banned from Port Talbot and Aberavon town centres, and from bus and train stations in Port Talbot.

The youths are Lee Lewis, 17, Peter Rowlands, 16, Marcus Lewis, 15, and Martin O'Brian, 13.

Magistrates in Neath warned the boys they could face a jail sentence of up to five years if they broke the order.

Peter Rowlands, 16: two year ban

The court heard the teenagers had been captured on CCTV cameras smashing windows after climbing onto the town's bus station roof and attacking sunken lights on a bridge with iron bars.

They were accused of threatening and abusing staff and security guards at the bus and train stations, in supermarkets and shopping centres.

They also insulted and threatened teachers and pupils after "invading" a comprehensive.

Magistrates granted the order after police had gathered evidence against the gang.

Martin O'Brien was banned for four years, Marcus Lewis for three, and Lee Lewis and Peter Rowlands for two years.

Marcus Lewis, 15: three year ban

They are also forbidden from getting together in any public place in Neath Port Talbot county, and could face criminal charges if they use offensive or insulting words or gestures, or threaten violence.

Pc Tim Rees, who led the inquiry, said: "They are a gang of teenage tearaways who are real hard core trouble makers."

"We are very pleased to have got these orders against this gang- maybe the townsfolk can go about their business in peace.

"On numerous occasions they were abusive to staff at Port Talbot magistrates court, making threats that made them fear for their own safety.

"Even when they were in court they were out of control and we cannot underestimate the impact they have had on the town centre.

Martin O'Brien, 13: four year ban

"If they breach any of the terms of these orders they can be charged with committing a criminal offence carrying a prison sentence of up to five years and a fine.

"We have had an acute problem in Port Talbot and are using legislation available to us to resolve it."

A Home Office spokeswoman said: "We back local authorities who use anti-social behaviour orders to protect their citizens.

"That is what the legislation is meant to achieve."