8-year-old 'yob the builder' gets Asbo

A boy of eight has been banned from carrying hammers and screwdrivers after becoming one of the youngest people in Britain to be subject to an Asbo.

Michael Bratcher says he uses the tools only to play Bob the Builder games and make a den in nearby woods, but neighbours have accused him of terrorising their children.



His mother Lisa, 46, has been ordered to keep Michael inside after dark and not let him out with hammer, saw, screwdriver, nails, chisels, knives, scissors or secateurs.

Michael's mother claims she is a victim of a hate campaign by neighbours. The single mother said: "Apparently Michael is the Damien of the neighbourhood. I know he is no angel but what they said about him in court was not true. Michael and his little mate used to make camps in the trees across the road and I bought them a hammer and stuff."