A 15-year-old has been banned from a town-centre shopping centre after punching security staff on two separate occasions.

The boy was given a restraining order at court stopping him from entering County Square Shopping Centre in Ashford or speaking to those working there.

In an incident last November, the teenager entered the centre despite staff orderering him to leave.

He was then removed but kept trying to return, and when member of the security team went to close the door, the young man hit him in the face and pushed him while making threats of violence.

Then in February the youngster was involved with a group causing anti-social behaviour and again tried to close the doors.

The gaggle of yobs tried to force the entrances open, before the boy again pushed and punched a guard in the face.

CCTV and witnesses identified the perpetrator, who appeared at Medway Youth Court on June 22.

He pleaded guilty to two counts of common assault and was given the six-month restraining order, also having to pay £60 compensation to his victim.

Sergeant Richard Batten said: “The good work of our local beat officers resulted in the offender being identified and a positive outcome in court.

“I would advise anyone who is considering similar anti-social behaviour in Ashford town centre, to think twice. People should feel safe whether they work, live or visit here.

“We do not tolerate nuisance behaviour and this summer our town beat officers will continue to provide visible patrols.

“We urge anyone experiencing anti-social behaviour to report it.”