A TEENAGER has been fined hundreds of pounds after a group of youngsters were seen drinking and swearing outside a library.

Alex Lawson, of Farmhouse Mews, was sat outside Thatcham Library on July 28 at around 8.40pm when police arrived and asked the group to leave.

One member of the group was found to be in possession of cannabis.

The 18-year-old and nine other members were handed a map and told to stay away from the area for 48 hours.

However, Lawson was seen in Thatcham Broadway at 4.30pm on July 30 and he was reported for failing to comply with the order.

Lawson admitted to the offence and was ordered to pay a total of £365.

PC Jon Bradford from Newbury Police Station, said: “There have been ongoing reports of anti-social behaviour within Thatcham by members of the public, who have felt intimidated and distressed by large groups gathering in particular places in the town.

"This is not something we want within our community and we want residents and visitors of all ages to feel safe within the town.

“We will continue to deal with incidents of anti-social behaviour within the town and hopefully this result will send a warning to those who intend to ignore dispersal notices.”