NEW action is being taken against anti-social behaviour in Westbury. As part of the initiative, a 17 year-old from Westbury has become the first person to receive an interim stand-alone anti-social behaviour order (ASBO) by Wiltshire Council.
Working in partnership with Wiltshire Police, Wiltshire Council has recently obtained an interim order against Derek Wheeler which took effect on July 20th.
Stand-alone ASBOs can be made by a magistrates courts acting in a civil capacity, and there does not need to be any related criminal proceedings. An interim order can be made before the full hearing of an ASBO application. In appropriate cases an application for an interim order can be made without the defendant receiving any notice.
Hilary Marsh, Wiltshire Council’s head of anti-social behaviour reduction said, “The partnership has undertaken a large amount of work to bring about positive changes in Derek’s behaviour, however this was unsuccessful and it was agreed that an ASBO would be the next step. This decision was not taken lightly and was not determined until all other options had been tried.
”We understand the Government is carrying out a consultation on the future of ASBOs, however we will continue to work together using the existing powers and tools in a balanced, considered and proportionate manner until any changes have been agreed.”
Warminster Sector Inspector, Dave Minty said, “The community in Westbury has been experiencing a large amount of anti-social behaviour from a particular group of local youths. Reported incidents have included verbal abuse, spitting, aggressive and intimidating behaviour, criminal damage and underage drinking. These incidents have had a detrimental affect not only on individuals but also on the community as a whole and we will not tolerate it.
“We are dedicated to making our communities even safer and will take action against those who act in an abusive or intimidating manner.”
The interim order made by the Chippenham Magistrates Court prohibits Derek Wheeler from:
– engaging in conduct which causes, or likely to cause, harassment alarm or distress to others and from inciting or encouraging others to do so
– engaging in behaviour which is likely to be threatening or abusive or insulting to others, or inciting or encouraging others to do so
– entering or remaining within the grounds or building of Westbury Youth Development Centre in Eden Vale Road, Westbury, BA13 3NY without prior permission of a person entitled to give such permission
– congregating in a public place within the Westbury community area in a group of three or more persons causing, or likely to cause, any person to fear for their safety
– being in possession of any alcohol in open containers in a public place in the Westbury community area.
– remaining in any retail/commercial or medical premises within the Westbury community area having been requested by the owner, or occupier, or their representative to leave.
Breach of an ASBO, including an interim order, is a criminal offence and is punishable by a fine and/or imprisonment or referral to a young offender’s institution, as appropriate.
An ASBO is usually the last step in dealing with persistent offenders. There are other options that the police and council try to use first to change disruptive behaviour. Youth Crime Family Intervention Project works with families where there are incidents of youth crime or anti-social behaviour. And also where the family needs some intensive work to ensure their children do not continue in the criminal justice system.
The family have to match points on a list of criteria; these include having at least one child already in the Criminal Justice System or is prolific priority offender, there is substance misuse by the parent(s) or child, a parent is a known offender or the child is not in education, employment or training.
Families in Focus works closely with other agencies to help young people, between the ages of eight and 13, who are at risk of offending or being involved in anti-social behaviour. Depending on the case, key workers will set targets, contracts, look at progress, think of ways to tackle difficult situations and work on any anger issues.
