Bob the Asbo: The boy of eight who used his builder's tools to terrorise the neighbourhood

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Now he's eight, he's got his own set of tools. But instead of lending a hand with the household repairs like the TV character, neighbours claim he's wreaking havoc.

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Michael Bratcher has been banned from going out after dark and carrying hammers, chisels and other tools

They say he threatened both adults and other youngsters with the tools, even chasing his victims along the streets.

So bad was his behaviour that he is now the subject of an anti-social behaviour order handed to his mother Lisa, 46.

Michael has been banned from possessing "any hammer, saw, screwdriver, nails, chisel, knife, scissors and secateurs in any public place".

Michael says he is a big fan of Bob the Builder and has already built a treehouse in the back garden

The boy tried to persuade officials he carries them only because he wants to be a builder when he grows up, and enjoys building tree houses and dens.

However, single mother-of-three Miss Bratcher was given an order which covers Michael's behaviour while a separate Asbo was given to her eldest son Daniel, 22.

She claims her children are being victimised by residents, who have nicknamed Michael "Damien" after the character of Satan's son in the horror movie The Omen.

"I know he's no angel but what they said about him in court wasn't true," she insisted. "Michael and his little mate used to make camps in plants.

According to one family, who asked not to be named, Michael left them in constant fear.

The father of one of only two families prepared to give evidence said: "Michael has thrown bricks at my son, urinated on him, spat at him, sworn at him and thrown slates from the roof at him. Chisels, screwdrivers, hammers - you name it, he has chased kids with them.

"To say they are neighbours from hell is a cliche, but it's true."

As well as the terms relating to Michael, Miss Bratcher is banned from allowing cannabis or loud music in her home and letting more than three people visit her a day.

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Single mum Lisa says she is the victim of a hate campaign by neighbours in Fir Walk, Torquay

A separate Asbo has been given to her eldest son banning him from the house and ordering him not to contact any residents on the road.

Both she and Daniel are also banned from attacking, threatening, pestering or insulting anybody.

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Michael's 22-year-old brother Daniel has already been given an Asbo banning him from the family home

A housing trust spokesman said: "This tenant made her neighbour's lives a misery."

Both Asbos are to run for two years.