A drug baron who allegedly beat victims and "blighted the lives of vulnerable young people" by dealing heroin has been banned from causing trouble in Richmond for five years.

Kamal Wright, 26, of Lakeside Road, Hammersmith, was slapped with a lengthy antisocial behaviour order (Asbo) at Feltham Magistrates' Court last week after police detailed evidence showing how he had tortured, assaulted, strangled and threatened victims and imposed a "rule of fear".

Officers have been unable to prosecute Wright for alleged crimes as witnesses were too scared to come forward and give evidence.

But the court heard statements from police who had seen the injuries of people claiming to be his victims.

Wright was allegedly responsible for the near strangulation of two victims - one was dragged around a room with a belt wrapped around her throat, and another was assaulted in a public park.

Another man was tortured with a blowtorch and cigarette lighter, the court heard.

Those working for Wright also feared his wrath, evidence showed.

A drug runner tried to turn himself in to police after being robbed of £400 of drugs money he owed to his boss.

After officers sent him away, the man deliberately smashed up a car outside Hounslow police station in a desperate bid to get himself arrested to avoid further beatings.

Wright was known to many as Kalvin rather than Kamal, officers alleged. His barrister claimed Kalvin was someone other than Wright and his client was not involved in the numerous accounts of drug dealings.

But police used phone specialists to prove that a mobile found in Wright's possession contained messages addressed to both Kamal and Kalvin.

Wright's Asbo states he must not enter the borough of Hounslow unless he is scheduled to attend court or visit the police.

He was also warned not to assault, threaten or harass anyone living in the boroughs of Richmond Upon Thames, Ealing and Hammersmith. And he must not remain on any premises across the four London boroughs after being asked to leave.

If he violates these conditions, Wright could face up to five years in jail.

DS Ian Tippett of the Hounslow Antisocial Behaviour Unit, who led the case against Wright, said: "Wright's behaviour has continued to blight the lives of vulnerable young people in the borough of Hounslow for the last six years. By preventing him from entering Hounslow he will be taken out of his comfort zone where he is happy to act in an antisocial manner with little fear of arrest or prosecution."