Ely Teenager Handed ASBO By Magistrates

MAGISTRATES have agreed that the public should know that Ely teenager Robert Arnold was given an ASBO this week. But a court decided that the full reasons for the order being made should not be divulged in the press, despite representations from this news

MAGISTRATES have agreed that the public should know that Ely teenager Robert Arnold was given an ASBO this week.

But a court decided that the full reasons for the order being made should not be divulged in the press, despite representations from this newspaper.

Arnold, 17, of Wheatsheaf Close, Ely, will be subject to the anti social behaviour order for the next two years.

Under the terms of the order, he is banned from possessing or consuming alcohol in public.

And until his 18th birthday on May 27 next year, he must abide by a curfew, keeping him at home every night between 10pm and 7am.

The order also says that Arnold must not engage in any behaviour in Ely that causes nuisance, harassment, alarm or distress, or is threatening, abusive or insulting to others.

A reporter from the Ely Standard had asked the court to lift reporting restrictions on all reasons for the ASBO being imposed; saying the public should be aware why the order was needed.

Brian Tully, anti social behaviour co-ordinator for East Cambridgeshire Community Safety Partnership, said: "ASBOs are designed to be preventative, not punitive. All we want is to bring an end to the episodes of anti social behaviour for which Robert Arnold has been responsible, which have disrupted life for some of the vast majority of law-abiding tax-payers in the community.

"This ASBO should help Robert keep out of trouble, and it will be a contribution to the problems of under-age drinking and anti social behaviour sometimes seen in the city. I hope Robert will respond positively to the order, and see it as a turning point in his life.

"The consequence of failing to comply can be serious. Breach of an ASBO is a criminal offence, and can result in a significant financial penalty, or imprisonment."

The order was welcomed by John Yates, Chairman of the Ely Neighbourhood Panel. He said: "Anti Social Behaviour in Ely has been identified as a Policing Priority at successive Neighbourhood Panel meetings (quarterly public consultation events: the next is at 7pm on Wednesday 28th October, in the ECDC Offices at The Grange, Nutholt Lane, Ely). Anti social behaviour is simply not welcome in Ely, and the Neighbourhood Panel process recognises the need to address this concern. We will support enforcement action such as this ASBO when it is appropriate. I hope this will make a significant contribution to improving the environment in the neighbourhood".

Any breach of ASBOs should be reported to police on 0345 456 456 4.