A “child-like” man has been banned from plaguing neighbours with antics like ringing doorbells then running off.

Clive Barker is also forbidden by a court from throwing eggs at doors or windows, obstructing lifts and moving other peoples’ doormats or plant pots anywhere in the borough. Barker, aged 49, had earlier been caught on CCTV switching off residents’ water supplies.

His antics caused great inconvenience and spoiled the peace and quiet of his street, magistrates heard.

Barker was told his actions were a breach of his Criminal Anti Social Behaviour Order (CRASBO), which he admitted. He had earlier broken an Anti Social Behaviour Order (ASBO) after being caught switching off water supplies.

Halesowen Magistrates Court heard yesterday Barker had caused “great inconvenience” to his neighbours at the block of flats and was “robbing” them of their peace and quiet.

Barker, of Baylie Court, Green Street, Stourbridge, was made the subject of an interim hospital order. He will be admitted to Brooklands Hospital in Birmingham within 28 days and detained for 12 weeks for doctors to assess his mental state.

Mr Barry Sealeaf, prosecuting, said: “It is child-like behaviour. It causes great inconvenience to other residents. It is robbing people of the quiet and enjoyment of their homes.”

Barker also admitted breaching a conditional discharge.

Mr Tim Bishop, defending, told magistrates Barker acted as a full time carer for his 82-year-old mother Ivy who he lives with at Baylie Court. Mr Bishop said: “Any separation of the two would have a massive impact on both of them.”

Outside the court Barker’s mother Ivy said: “My son does everything for me, I will not be able to do anything without him.”

Magistrates also made Barker the subject of a new CRASBO to overlap his original order which will run until September 2009.