Teenager promises to mend his ways
AN Ely teenager, who breached his ASBO by issuing threats, escaped a jail sentence this week after telling magistrates he is determined to mend his ways. Lee Statham could have faced custody after admitting that he threatened a school girl and a police co
AN Ely teenager, who breached his ASBO by issuing threats, escaped a jail sentence this week after telling magistrates he is determined to mend his ways.
Lee Statham could have faced custody after admitting that he threatened a school girl and a police community support officer in Ely just three months after the ASBO was imposed.
But 16-year-old Statham told Ely Youth Court that he plans to change his behaviour, and clearly impressed the magistrates.
"I want to change, I know I have made mistakes," Statham told the court when told he could be given an intensive supervision order.
"This order would help me with my temper and help me to get a job."
Bench chairman Jane Whiter congratulated Statham, saying: "That is one of the best explanations we have heard."
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Statham, of High Barns, Ely, was given the two-year ASBO in September last year.
It banned him from engaging in any behaviour that caused nuisance, harassment, alarm or distress to others, or was threatening, abusive, or insulting to others in Ely.
At the time the order was imposed, Statham's solicitor Mark Shelley told the youth court: "He knows he must be on his best behaviour in Ely, and if he breaches this, he is liable to be sent into custody."
Prosecutor Delia Matthews told how Statham went to see a 15-year-old girl in her father's work place on December 5, and made a threat that included the words: "I am going to kick your head in.
"I will bang you and the whole family."
The next day he threatened to hit PCSO Alastair Woolner in the street.
After reading a report, the magistrates gave Statham a six-month intensive supervision and surveillance order as part of a nine-month supervision order.
They said he must spend 150 days taking part in specified activities.
The court also gave him a three-month curfew order using an electronic tag, keeping him at home between 8pm and 7am every day.
Solicitor James Dignan told the court: "Lee welcomes the order as an opportunity to change his direction.
