Magistrates in a town have issued their first anti-social behaviour order.

Jonathan Lancaster, of Eversley Crescent, Hastings, appeared before magistrates after police built up a dossier on his aggressive behaviour towards neighbours and members of his family.

The orders, introduced in April 1999, means Lancaster will not be able to behave in any way that causes distress, harassment or alarm to others.

The order will last for two years.

Earlier this year Home Secretary David Blunkett streamlined the process of making the orders to encourage magistrates to issue them.

The orders are a civil rather than criminal measure so require significantly less evidence to be successfully granted.

If ignored they carry a maximum prison sentence of five years. The order travels with the offender if they move house.

Superintendent Nick Wilkinson, of Hastings police, said: "I am grateful to Inspector Martin Sims, his team and the local authority in vigorously pursuing this order.

"This is the first order in Hastings and it is important that the community understands we are determined to tackle anti-social behaviour."