A TEENAGER from Runcorn whose anti-social behaviour has escalated to violent offences has been handed a Criminal Behaviour Order.

Jason King was handed the two-year banning order at Warrington Youth Court.

The 17-year-old is now forbidden from acting in an anti-social manner in any public place in Cheshire, as well as from inciting or encouraging others to do so.

He has also been banned from possessing of any sort of bladed weapon in public places in the county.

The same goes for imitation weapons, BB guns and even toy guns.

Police Constable Andy Maskall said: "CBOs are preventative orders which are designed to stop individuals committing further anti-social behaviour and offences.

"They are only ever applied for and issued as a last resort.

"In the case of Jason King, he has persistently shown no consideration at all for the effects his behaviour has on the people of Runcorn.

"He has a history of displaying anti-social behaviour dating back to 2014 and the level of his offending has escalated in recent times.

"King has become violent and posed a threat to the public and his behaviour has had a significant impact on the local community.

"As such we were left with no option but to apply for a CBO to protect the people of Runcorn, who have a right to feel safe.

"Our communities should not be subjected to such behaviour.

"The CBO imposed by Warrington Youth Court aims to prevent further issues involving King and help to make Runcorn a better place to live, work and visit.

"I hope that this reassures local people that we take anti-social and violent behaviour very seriously and will use whatever powers we have at our disposal in a bid to put a stop to it.

"King is only 17 years old and I also hope that the CBO helps to put him on a different path away from anti-social and criminal activity."

Anyone who sees King breaching any of the restrictions imposed as part of the CBO is asked to report it to Cheshire Constabulary on 101.