A FIFE teenager who has made life hell for his neighbours over the past two years has been barred from his own home, following a ruling at Dunfermline Sheriff Court.

Philip Gordon has been told he won’t be able to return to his father Andrew’s house at High Beveridgewell, Dunfermline, for at least the next three months.

Gordon, who is just 18, was thrown out after Fife Police were granted a so-called closure order under the Government’s tough new laws on anti-social behaviour.

It is the second time this year the police have been granted a closure order using the powers.

In January 18-year-old Scott Wallace, from Leven, was thrown out of a flat following months of torment for his neighbours.

However, it is believed to be the first time in Scotland such an order has involved a privately-owned home.

Mr Gordon, whose house it is, has also been barred from the property, which was sealed up by the council last Thursday.

He works off-shore and could not be contacted yesterday.

The problems apparently began when the teenager was first left on his own about two years ago.

Gangs of youths started hanging around the house, causing all sorts of problems for the neighbours.

One elderly resident, who declined to be identified for fear of reprisals, said Gordon had made everyone’s life unbearable.

“It’s just been terrible at times with folk coming and going from the house until all hours,” she said. “Goodness knows what was going on, but the noise was just awful at times.

“A lot of folk were too scared to go outside, especially at night...he turned this place into a living hell. We’re just looking forward to a bit of peace and quiet now.”

The police said the move underlined their commitment to protecting communities in the region. Orders can be obtained where premises have been linked, for at least three months, with serious and persistent anti-social behaviour.

Police officers worked closely with officials from Fife Council’s housing investigation team to put the case together. If the authorities believe the problems will start again, the police can apply to extend the order for a further three months.

Superintendent Bill Lawrie insisted the police had been left with no choice but to seek the closure order.

“Persistent anti-social behaviour has a substantial negative impact on communities,” he said.

“This is the first closure order granted in the west Fife area under the new legislation and the first involving privately-owned accommodation.

“The granting of this order should reassure communities that Fife Police, in consultation with Fife Council, can take action on premises which cause significant and persistent disorder or serious nuisance.”

Superintendent Tony Fitzpatrick, the force’s anti-social behaviour co-ordinator, added, “This is the second time in a matter of months that the police and the council have made use of the option to seek a closure order from the courts.

“People who are intent on causing misery to their neighbours in this way should realise that their behaviour will not be tolerated and they may find themselves having to seek alternative accommodation for a period of time.”

Councillor Andy Brown, who represents the area on Fife Council, said the order was the end of a nightmare two years for both the neighbours and the neighbourhood.

“I am very pleased that this has been granted,” he added. “It has resulted from a great deal of effort by both the council’s housing investigation team and Fife Police.

Mr Brown added, “At last the people who have suffered so much for so long will get some respite.

“This has been going on for about two years now.

“The father was always away and gangs of youths have been hanging around the house.

“The problems started spilling out into the street, causing chaos for the neighbours. It has been dreadful. Some nights the police were called up there up to four times.

“I am pleased at the outcome, mainly for the neighbours’ sake.

“Obviously the sheriff agreed with the submissions from the police.

“This will give them some respite, although obviously the order can be renewed.”

Dunfermline West MSP Scott Barrie said the case proved the new anti-social behaviour law was working.

“It just shows how right the Executive were to pass this legislation last year,” he added.

“Many people said this was about gesture politics as opposed to meaningful action against people who disrupt the lives of others.

“Today shows the law can be used to protect people who are being affected by anti-social behaviour.

“It also sends out a powerful message that just because you own your own home doesn’t mean you can blight the lives of others.”