HUNDREDS of leaflets are being distributed around an area of York warning residents about a notorious teenage yob - as two more of the city's thugs are hit with antisocial behaviour orders (ASBOs).

City of York Council says the leafleting campaign will raise awareness about the behaviour of Shaun Andrew Illingworth, 16, who was last month given a two-year ASBO by the city's magistrates.

The council and police are putting 800 leaflets through the doors of Clifton residents to help them recognise Illingworth - and encourage them to alert the authorities if he is seen breaking the terms of the order.

The teenager was banned from shops in the area after a catalogue of abusive and threatening behaviour.

Police later said he had been "a thorn in their side" for more than five years.

Meanwhile, two more of the city's yobs have been served with ASBOs.

One, 16-year-old Mark Benson, of Danebury Drive, Acomb, was a member of the gang that caused mayhem in Poppleton and Acomb in December last year.

Their rampage culminated in an attack of horrifying violence on Beckfield Lane resident Chris Gregory - an assault that nearly killed the 56-year-old.

Although Benson was not directly involved in the assault, he admitted taking part in other antisocial acts committed by the gang.

In June 2003, he sparked a major police alert involving armed officers when he brandished a ball-bearing gun on Boroughbridge Road.

A 15-year-old Acomb youth was also handed a five-year ASBO at Selby Magistrates Court yesterday.

Police said this teenager, who cannot be named for legal reasons, had a history of violence, damage and antisocial behaviour in Acomb.

Both Benson and the 15-year-old had been banned from schools in the area for repeatedly trespassing on their grounds, being abusive to staff.

Benson's antisocial behaviour also included climbing on the roofs of shops and banks in Acomb and along Boroughbridge Road, and "causing problems" for shopkeepers.

Both ASBOs prevent the teenagers from mixing with certain other youths, being threatening or violent, entering any City of York Council educational building without the head teacher's permission, or climbing on any roof within the bounds of the city without the owner or occupier's consent.

Benson's ASBO also prevents him from attempting or causing criminal damage.

Justin Crossley, prosecuting, successfully argued that reporting restrictions protecting Benson's identity because of his age should be lifted.

"This order wouldn't have teeth unless the general public weren't made aware of it," he said.

York community policing Sergeant Mike Stubbs said ASBO applications were being prepared against other youths in the area.

Updated: 09:58 Tuesday, October 12, 2004