Banned from putting up a hoodie until 2011

Diigo

A STRETFORD teenager has been banned from wearing a hoodie and drinking in public until 2011. Italiano Thomas-Bell, 16, was issued with a five-year anti-social behaviour order at Trafford Magistrates' Court. The Asbo bans him from drinking outside until he is 20 years old and covering his head or face to conceal his identity. He is also prohibited from communicating with two of his friends and going to certain areas of Lostock, Manchester.

Before issuing the order, magistrates heard a list of Bell's bad behaviour, which included interfering with witnesses, assault, criminal damage, intimidating people and drinking alcohol.

He also used abusive language while in the communal entrance of an elderly people's home.

Police superintendent John Grave said: "It is just not right for a small criminal minority to be able to impose their unacceptable levels of behaviour on the law abiding majority.

"It is also unacceptable for those who do engage in criminal and intimidating conduct to go unchallenged, and not be held accountable for their actions.

"People within our community have a right to enjoy a good quality of life and to be able to come and go without being in fear of crime or intimidation. Those who engage in anti-social behaviour without any consideration of the consequences deserve nobody's respect.

"This successful application will go a long way to disrupt the anti-social behaviour of not only one person, but also those people who chose to follow his example. It is important that people living in the area know this outcome and feel confident in our commitment to enforce the order robustly."

The terms of the Asbo prohibit Bell from communicating with Neil Finan or Sean McGlade, who were also made the subjects of Asbos. Bell is also banned from entering any private premises without the express permission of the owner.

Ian Mullins, community services and social care boss, said: "I am pleased that Bell has been served with this Asbo, and that should he be convicted of any breach he should expect the full weight of the criminal justice system to come down on him.

"Trafford remains committed to working with our partners to ensure that individuals who persistently act in an anti-social manner will be held accountable for their actions."

Diigo