The teenage ringleader of disturbances in Moxley which saw a gang of up to 60 youths terrorise residents and shopkeepers has been put behind bars.

A teenager was attacked with a concrete slab, buses pelted with missiles, and car windows smashed during two weeks of mayhem in November.

A 17-year-old youth, described by police as the driving force behind the campaign of terror, was yesterday given a six month training and detention order by magistrates at Walsall Youth Court after admitting a string of offences.

The teenager, who cannot be named for legal reasons, pleaded guilty to threatening to set fire to a resident’s car in Wilkinson Road and smashing another’s windows, causing £600 worth of damage.

He also admitted stealing a £400 scrambler motorbike from a shed in Lodge Road, Darlaston. All the offences took place in November.

The gang’s actions led to the police launching Operation Ganree, which included letters being sent to children’s parents urging them to keep an eye on their behaviour, and patrols stepped up in a bid to tackle the unprecedented rise in anti-social behaviour and criminal activity.

Acting Inspector Simon Guilfoyle, of Darlaston police, said: “This has come about as a result of the hard work of local police officers, councillors and residents, and sends out a message that anti-social behaviour and criminal activity will not be tolerated in our area.”

Representing the teenager, Mr Suresh Joshi said he admitted threatening to set fire to a resident’s car but was retaliating to threats against him.

He said the youth had admitted the offences at the earliest opportunity and should be given credit for his guilty pleas.