A TEENAGER who is accused of running riot in a chain of Ipswich stores has appeared at court in Ipswich.The 14-year-old, who can not be named for legal reasons, allegedly behaved in a manner likely to cause harassment or distress to the public at Co-op stores in North Ipswich during a six-month period.

By Matt Eley

A TEENAGER who is accused of running riot in a chain of Ipswich stores has appeared at court in Ipswich.

The 14-year-old, who can not be named for legal reasons, allegedly behaved in a manner likely to cause harassment or distress to the public at Co-op stores in North Ipswich during a six-month period.

Ipswich Borough Council are attempting to impose an ASBO (Anti-Social Behaviour Order) on the youth in a bid to restrict his movements. The youth is contesting the imposition of the order.

At the start of the trial at South East Suffolk Magistrates Court yesterday, the court heard that the youth was allegedly one of a gang of teenagers who regularly caused trouble at Co-ops in Castle Hill and Whitton in late 2000 and early 2001.

The court heard that two other youths, linked with the same case, have already been banned from entering all Co-op retail stores and the Alldays store in Macaulay Road, Ipswich.

At the start of the trial the court heard evidence from Jennifer Haywood, loss prevention manager of Co-op, based in Carr Street.

Answering questions from Andrew Shaw, who is making the application on behalf of Ipswich Borough Council, she told the court of incidents that had been reported to her by staff involving the accused.

This included abusing members of staff, entering Co-op stores when banned and skating in a store.

In response to questions from Mark Cannatella, Mrs Haywood said she had not witnessed the behaviour herself and that her information had been compiled from reports by staff.

Colin Love, a loss prevention officer for Co-op, told the court that guards had to be employed at stores in North Ipswich due to the behaviour of the teenage gang.

He said: "I have actually banned him (from entering a Co-op store) myself and been present in store when members of staff have banned him."

Mr Love also recalled taking reports from "distressed" members of staff after they had been victims of incidents allegedly involving the youth.

When questioned by Mr Cannatella Mr Love said he was unable to record precise dates and times when he had witnessed the youth misbehaving in a Co-op store.

The trial continue.