A thug who terrorised residents and left them cowering in their own homes has been banned from a town for two years. Scott Danny Grey, 22, unleashed violent verbal attacks on anyone who crossed his path in Reepham, near Aylsham, often threatening to harm them in their own houses later that day.

A thug who terrorised residents and left them cowering in their own homes has been banned from a town for two years.

Scott Danny Grey, 22, unleashed violent verbal attacks on anyone who crossed his path in Reepham, near Aylsham, often threatening to harm them in their own houses later that day.

His anger stretched to children, men and women, young or old, all subject to outbursts often said to be the result of Grey arguing with his girlfriend.

But residents have finally breathed a sigh of relief after Grey, who goes by his middle name of Danny, was banned by King's Lynn Magistrates' Court from entering the town for the next two years.

Should he break the exclusion order, which is described by police as “an unusual but not uncommon measure”, and return to the town from his new home of Thorpe St Andrew to see friends or relatives, he could face up to one month in prison.

The order was the result of a joint effort by local councils, agencies and police in the Broadland Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership, which meets to discuss key problems in the district every month.

The police safer neighbourhood team (SNT) in Reepham persuaded three of his many victims to file a formal complaint that led to Grey being convicted.

His conviction of two counts of threatening behaviour allowed magistrates to impose the exclusion order.

PC Andy Barkway said: “This is the first exclusion order I have secured and I don't think we would have had the success we have without all of the information we get through the groups in the partnership.”

One person, who was subject to his abuse, and who wants to remain anonymous, said: “The town does feel a massive sense of relief he's gone.

“He's like a petulant child - give him a rule and he'll break it. After he attacked me I was so scared, shaken, crying and worried about seeing him again. I've heard so many tales about him since. He's opportunistic and thinks by terrorising people he gains respect.”

Reepham's safer neighbourhood team started collecting evidence against Grey in April after he was repeatedly mentioned in meetings and complaints.

PC Barkway, who put together the evidence which was presented to Lynn magistrates on Friday, October 12, said: “There is no way a whole community should be afraid the way it was.

“It's a small place, word spreads of his actions and a fear factor surrounds him. When the abuse is on your doorstep and your attacker knows where you live, you can't switch off. It was indiscriminate abuse, against anyone anywhere.

“We're very pleased with the result. We'll certainly have a lot more free time now he's gone.”

The authorities are pledging to keep an eye on Grey, wherever he is, should his behaviour continue.

Vic Hannant, anti-social behaviour co-ordinator at Broadland District Council, said: “The work that has already been done can be used to apply for future orders should Grey's behaviour continue where he moves to.

“This is a resounding success in the fight against anti-social behaviour.”