A youth who made his neighbours' lives a misery has been given one last chance to avoid going to prison - if he abides by nine strict rules.

Robert Johnson, 17, will have to adhere to the commandments for the next two years if he is to avoid a jail sentence of up to five years.

The teenager from Ringmer Close, Moulsecoomb, admitted behaving in a manner which caused harassment, alarm or distress when Brighton and Hove City Council brought him before magistrates in Brighton yesterday.

He was made the subject of an Anti-Social Behaviour Order and agreed to stick to the nine rules.

Martin Downs, representing the council, told the court the action was taken to protect people in Brighton and Hove from the youth.

Johnson must not:

Go into other people's homes and gardens without consent.

Cause or attempt to cause criminal damage.

Carry any item which could be used as a weapon or missile.

Swear in public.

Get involved in any disorderly or violent behaviour.

Start fires or burn rubbish.

Cause nuisance, annoyance or harassment to others.

Encourage others to do the same.

Intimidate anyone who has provided information which might be used in evidence in legal proceedings against him.

Magistrate Alison White told Johnson: "The order will govern your life for the next two years.

"Hopefully by then you will have grown up a bit and realise the effect your behaviour has had on other people."

After the hearing the council's community safety team leader John Mitchell said: "The order sends a clear message about the unacceptability of anti-social behaviour.

"I hope we can work with Mr Johnson to ensure there are no breaches of the order."

Community safety team solicitor Angharad Hughes said: "The East Brighton community safety team has worked hard with a variety of agencies to develop the use of anti-social behaviour orders as an effective means of stopping offending."

Johnson declined to comment.