Troublemaker hit with ASBO (From Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard)

Troublemaker hit with ASBO

A TEENAGE tearaway has become the second person in Cirencester to be issued with an anti social behaviour order (ASBO).

A curfew has been placed on the 16-year-old banning him from certain parts of the town for the next six months.

The teenager, an infamous troublemaker, was also fined £60 after the courts decided he had acted in a manner likely to cause harassment, alarm or distress to local residents.

Due to his age, the Standard is unable to reveal his identity for legal reasons, but the slightly-built yob, who often wears a baseball cap and is part of a larger gang, will be known to many people.

Police, who applied to Gloucester Youth Court for the ASBO, say they are pleased with the decision.

Acting Inspector Steve Templeton says the move will make the streets less intimidating for residents.

He said: "The volume of complaints we received from the public concerning the behaviour of this individual prompted us to apply for the order.

"We have a duty to protect the public from individuals, whose irresponsible behaviour and criminal actions puts them, or their property, at risk.

"We believe that in this case, an ASBO is the best way for us to achieve this goal."

Police applied for the ASBO (which was issued over two years) after the teenager was involved in a number of incidents relating to the use of threatening words and behaviour.

Under the restrictions he is prohibited from causing harassment, alarm and distress to any person in a public place.

He is also barred from going to Cirencester's Market Place, Abbey Grounds, Brewery and Forum car parks and Deer Park and Kingshill schools, between 9pm and 7am, for a period of six months.

His ASBO comes just months after drunken yob Simon Allen became the first person in the area to be issued with the order.

Allen was one of a group of binge drinkers, who had been turning the centre of the historic market town into a haven for drop outs.

Police hope the orders, which, if broken, can result in a custodial sentence, will serve as a warning to other local troublemakers.