A WIDNES woman who victimised her neighbours has been given an anti-social behaviour order for two years.

Dionne Smith, aged 43, of Hale Road is banned from acting or inciting, encouraging or aiding others to act in an anti-social manner which is likely to cause harassment, alarm or distress.

The ASBO bans Smith from acting or inciting, encouraging or aiding others to act in an anti-social manner which is likely to cause harassment, alarm or distress.

She is not to use or encourage others to use foul, abusive, insulting, offensive, threatening, disorderly or intimidating language or behaviour in any public place.

She is also banned from contacting her victims either directly or indirectly.

The order was made at Runcorn Magistrates Court on October 14.

Smith has been known to intimidate and victimise neighbours with behaviour which has included verbal abuse, persistent disorder and battery.

Insp Mike Evans said "This woman has been the cause of a lot of distress and upset for her neighbours and those around her.

“ This ASBO will protect the public from her abusive behaviour.

"She has received restraining orders in the past and has been evicted from properties for significant and persistent disorder, however this ASBO means that wherever she goes she will have to respect those around her or face a fine and possibly a prison sentence.

"Cheshire Police treats anti-social behaviour extremely seriously and we will not tolerate the abuse of people in our communities by anyone.

“ If you go out and assault, harass or offend people in Cheshire you can expect to be brought to answer for your actions."

Mark Antrobus from Halton Community Safety Team says "Smith has caused problems for neighbours in two separate locations in Widnes for over 12 months.

“The ASBO will now give the police, council and housing providers a better level of control.

“We would particularly like to thank the communities, housing partners and more importantly the victims who have stood up against this behaviour and we thank them for their courage and patience in providing evidence and supporting the case".

If you have any issues around anti-social behavior call Cheshire Police on 101, in an emergency always call 999. Alternatively you can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.