A junior school pupil is believed to be the youngest child in Sussex to be made the subject of an antisocial behaviour order.

Daniel Meehan, of Brentwood Road, Hollingdean, is 11 but Brighton Magistrates Court heard he is believed to be responsible for assaults on other children, criminal damage, vehicle theft, stone throwing and attempted theft.

Magistrates placed the youngster, who attends Downs Junior School in Ditchling Road, under a two-year interim order until a full hearing in January.

He has been banned from a large area around his home unless accompanied by named adults and prevented from associating with certain people.

Breaching any of the terms could mean a criminal charge.

Angharad Hughes, solicitor for the East Brighton Community Safety Team (CST), prosecuting for Sanctuary Housing Association, said: "Partnerships with local housing associations are an important part of our work and, although the defendant is only 11, the behaviour that has been reported to Sanctuary House is serious and extensive."

Al Potter, of Sanctuary Housing, said: "This may be the first case of its kind since legislation came in allowing housing associations to bring orders.

"We are committed to community safety and we welcome the opportunity to work with the East Brighton CST."

PC Lorna Dennison said: "His behaviour is blighting lives. Despite various interventions to assist Daniel and his parents to manage his behaviour, it has not moderated."

Nicky Cambridge, manager of the community safety team, said: "Daniel has a right to the chance to change his behaviour.

"Our workers are here to support him by acknowledging there are other reasons why he behaves like that, such as offering diversionary activities."

The chairman of the magistrates said: "Because of the high level of alleged incidents over a long period we think it is just to make this order."

PC Dennison asked that further incidences be reported to the police on 08457 6070999.