A NIGHTMARE neighbour has been handed a five-year Asbo which will start once he is released from jail.

Christopher Rye, of Carleton Road, Dartford, was given the order at Chatham Magistrates' Court, where he pleaded guilty to assault.

The 21-year-old, who was already serving 120 days in prison for driving while disqualified, was sentenced to a further 60 days behind bars.

The court heard that on June 11 last year, Rye threw a stone at a neighbour's house.

When the neighbour came out to investigate, Rye punched him in the face several times.

His Asbo, which comes into force on his release from prison, covers the whole of Kent and aims to prevent him harassing people.

If Rye harasses his neighbours he could be arrested and imprisoned for up to five years.

Sergeant Adrian Payne, of the north Kent crime reduction unit, said: "We hope this Asbo will improve the quality of life for residents and reduce crime and disorder in the area."

There have now been 25 orders given out in north Kent since Asbos were introduced in December 2001.