A YOUNG woman who has terrorised residents in a Kent village was spared a prison sentence despite repeated breaches of an anti-social behaviour order.

Teresa Edwards, 20, of Irvine Road, Higham, was described by Miss Recorder Caroline Harry-Thomas as a "thorough nuisance" who had "persistently and deliberately failed to comply with court orders".

Edwards appeared at Maidstone Crown Court after admitting resisting a police officer and two breaches of an ASBO.

She was sentenced to a total of 29 weeks in a young offenders’ institution suspended for 18 months. During that time she must also perform 50 hours unpaid work and attend a substance abuse programme.

The court heard there had been several breaches of the ASBO since it was made in July 2005, plus several convictions for assaulting police.

Edwards’s offending began when she was 18 and was drink-related. Her previous convictions include theft, criminal damage and harassment.

Sandesh Singh, defending, said despite her appalling record Edwards had realised she needed to make significant lifestyle changes.