The mother of a teenager branded "Bicester's biggest troublemaker" has apologised for his behaviour - and said she tried to bring him up well.

Nicholas Hendon, 14, of Chalvey Road, became one of the youngest people in the country to be handed an antisocial behaviour order last week.

The Asbo bans him from areas of the town, including his former school, Bicester Community College, and from being in groups of more than four people in public.

Police said he had been in trouble since he was 11 and was a ringleader of teenage yobs causing problems in the town.

But his mum Tracy, who also has a son, 16, and a daughter, seven, said she hoped people would understand he wasn't all bad and there were issues behind his behaviour.

She said: "I know he's a pain in the backside. I apologise for how he has upset people. I haven't brought him up to be that way. I do go on at him. I do ring him and I do text him when he's out, I sit at home worrying.

"But he's no criminal. He's not out robbing places. He's got a bad attitude and he swears. There've been deep-rooted anger problems.

"I'm hoping the Asbo is going to work. I was finding it hard to get him into line. I've got a proper family life at home. I'm a clean, tidy, respectable person.

"Nick just goes his own way. No matter what I'm doing or trying I'm not getting very far."

Mrs Hendon said she felt it was her fault Nicholas was expelled from Bicester Community College because she appealed when he was offered a 'transfer' elsewhere. He is now taught at an outreach centre.

She said: "He only got expelled because I appealed against it. I knew that wouldn't be good for him. I think we should get to the root of the problem - not pass the problem somewhere else."

Mrs Hendon added: "I'm not proud of him for how he has been acting but I do work hard with him. I am hoping it will work out for him and make things better."

Antisocial behaviour coordinator Pc Terry Paxton said: "If someone asked me who the biggest troublemaker in Bicester was, I would have to say it was him by a street."