A TEENAGER banned from an Oxford estate two years ago remained its “number one” problem and is involved in drug- dealing and setting dogs on cats, a court heard.

Byron Haines was given a two-year antisocial behaviour order (Asbo) in October 2007, banning him from Greater and Blackbird Leys. But yesterday police said the order needed extending, saying the 18-year-old continued to be a problem.

Pc Phil Gardiner, PCSOs James Kachellek, Kate Hellenburgh and Martina Stanikova, and Sgt Rob Axe, told district judge Kamlesh Rana that intelligence linked Haines with “drug-dealing on a daily basis”, using his dog Ice, “for intimidation instead of a knife”, wielding a machete-type blade and training dogs to fight each other and kill cats.

Pc Gardiner said: “He is the number one offender in the neighbourhood.”

The hearing, brought by Oxford City Council’s crime and nuisance action team, was also told Haines had threatened to stab Pc Gardiner in the throat.

Asked by Angela Porter, defending, why no charges had been brought, Pc Gardiner replied: “Because the reputation Byron has makes it difficult, due to fear of reprisals, to get statements.”

District Judge Rana said she was satisfied that Haines, of Goldfinch Close, Greater Leys, was involved in “regular drug-dealing activities”, using knives in a “violent, anti-social manner” and using his dog in attacks.

She said: “I consider the extension and variation to the order to be necessary and proportionate to protect the residents of Blackbird and Greater Leys.”

To a smirking Haines she added, as she extended the Asbo for another 12 months: “You might find this amusing but the effects on you will be serious.”

Nightingale Avenue resident Sylvia Shaw, whose cat Kitty was killed by a dog on January 12, told Judge Rana she believed Haines was responsible.

Outside court she said: “It had to be done for the residents and my cat. I’ve got children and I don’t want them influenced by people like that as they grow up.”

Sgt Axe added: “This is not just a relief for us but for residents of the estate, particularly those who have come forward.”

Asked why more serious charges had not been brought, he replied: “There is continuing information coming in and we will pursue him with criminal charges. We owe it to the estate.”

Haines first got a two-year Asbo in October 2007 after 17 convictions in three years and 12 arrests in the preceding 18 months on suspicion of robbery, possession of crack cocaine and for two knife attacks.

Haines is due to appear at Oxford Crown Court on February 10, charged with common assault and possession of an offensive weapon — a bicycle seat and stem — in relation to an incident in Between Towns Road, Cowley, on May 14.

tairs@oxfordmail.com