A TEENAGE thug who brought fear to the streets of Bromley Cross has been given an Anti-Social Behaviour Order (ASBO).

For two years, Liam Sadler, aged 17, of Turton Heights, led a 30-strong gang which was called the Bromley Cross Mafia.

He organised drunken gatherings by placing details on the internet and orchestrated a spate of vandalism in the area.But his reign of terror was brought to an end when magistrates in Bolton granted a police request that he is made the subject of an Asbo.

Now the thug, who comes from one of the most affluent areas of Bolton, is banned from large areas of Bromley Cross and must not be seen in public with a group of more than three people.

Area Inspector Tony Kenyon said: "Sadler is without doubt the leader of this group of youths. It is clear that the citizens of Bromley Cross need to be protected from his actions. He is obviously very influential over many of the other youths in the area, and such protection can only be provided by an Anti Social Behaviour order."

Bolton Magistrates agreed to impose an interim Asbo last Friday, ahead of a full hearing on April 13.

The court heard that Sadler's gang, which at times was up to 40-strong, brought terror to the streets, intimidating residents, disrupting public events and carrying out drunken assaults and acts of vandalism.

Shopkeepers at Bargain Booze and the Co-op in Turton Road told police that when they refuse to sell Sadler alcohol he becomes threatening and abusive.

A spokesman for Bargain Booze, where Sadler is barred, said: "He has tried to buy alcohol from here and when we turn him down he gives us a load of abuse. "They all just hang around outside and it must intimidate some of the older customers, who might be worried about getting mugged."

Sadler has been banned from the grounds of Turton High School for throwing eggs at staff and pupils and causing a disturbance, and from entering Bromley Cross Road, Bradshaw Cricket Club and other specific streets in the area.

The court was told that Sadler: Led a group of ten youths on a rampage of destruction at a Bromley Cross house.

Threatened a woman homeowner by making a throat slitting gesture after throwing a bottle and can of lager at her home.

Was arrested at home after punching his father in the face and hurling objects at him.

Was picked up by police and charged with violent disorder and possession of cannabis Led a mob of thugs who wreaked havoc at a public fireworks display in Bradshaw last November.

Insp Kenyon said: "This ASBO was only possible as a result of information supplied from the local community. People who were fearful of retribution have been brave in coming forward to provide evidence.

"We will be monitoring the behaviour of this individual very closely to ensure the conditions are strictly complied with. I appeal to anyone in the area to help us in ensuring that this ASBO has the desired effect by reporting any breaches to us."

An interim Asbo is issued when Magistrates believe their is sufficient public interest to do so, ahead of full hearing being held when detailed evidence is given.

Sadler is also forbidden from entering the following areas between 7pm and 6am: The area of Chapeltown Road, Windy Harbour Lane, Hospital Road, Darwen Road, Turton Road, Bolton Road and Bradshaw Brook, apart from a specified house at Chapletown Road and access to the bus stop at the junction of Rigby Lane.

Entering the grounds of Bradshaw Crick Club Remaining in shops, or in school grounds or any other premises when asked to leave.

He must not appear in public in a group of more than three unless they are family members and must not been seen carrying alcohol in public.

To report a breach, call police on 0161 856 5795.