A TEENAGER has been banned from part of Carlisle city centre for the next four years after harassing a fastfood restaurant worker.

Luke Hunter, 18, of Castlesteads Drive, pleaded guilty in the city's magistrates court to harassing the McDonalds worker over a three-month period between April and June.

Magistrates imposed a restraining order on Hunter, which includes the ban from Scotch Street, where the McDonalds restaurant is, and neighbouring Rosemary Lane.

Hunter was also given a community order and must complete 100 hours of unpaid work over the next 12 months, pay £60 compensation to his victim, and £85 court costs.

His conviction comes after a high-profile police operation to crack down on anti-social behaviour.

It has sparked officers to issue a fresh warning to young people that anti-social behaviour will not be tolerated.

Sergeant Chris Blain, of Cumbria Constabulary, said: "Police are continuing to increase patrols in the city centre following a number of reports of large groups of young people causing issues in fast food outlets and harassing members of the public.

"Whilst the majority of the issues are been caused by a few individuals, those part of the group may also find themselves on the wrong side of the law.

"There has been several assaults have recently being reported in the city centre, which are currently under investigation and includes an assault on an elderly victim."

New anti-social behaviour laws could be introduced as authorities battle to tackle the ongoing issue.

Police are working with McDonalds, Carlisle City Council, Riverside housing, and residents.

In May it was revealed that police were stepping up operations in Scotch Street after gangs of up to 100 rowdy teenagers were causing mayhem in the city centre.

Complaints included attacks on people in front of their families and children.

Police launched Operation Orion, increasing patrols in the area each evening, in a bid to combat the trouble.