Council and democracy

ASBOs for brothers who terrorised New Addington

The orders were granted after the courts were told of a catalogue of complaints from residents about the teenagers' antisocial behaviour, which included being threatening and verbally abusive, gathering in gangs and shouting and swearing at all times of the day and night.

Magistrates awarded a three-year ASBO against Ashley, in his absence, on 2 June 2008. The order was served on him on Saturday 14 June.

His brother received a similar order on 16 May 2008.

The orders ban the youths from entering New Addington for three years. Both have been warned that if they breach their orders they face jail terms of up to five years, a fine of up to £5000, or both.

Magistrates were also told that before resorting to legal action council tenancy officers had taken exhaustive steps to stop the brothers' antisocial behaviour.

Problems on the estate started after the brothers returned to New Addington to live with their mother, Karen, in June 2007.

Ms Davey was interviewed about the nuisance her sons were causing in July and September last year and was given the opportunity to curb their behaviour. Both boys gave verbal undertakings to behave in a reasonable manner but the behaviour continued and the case was referred for court action.

Ms Davey vacated the property in December after the council began possession proceedings.

Cllr Dudley Mead, deputy leader and cabinet member for housing, said: "This is a victory for the council and the people of New Addington. The brothers were given a firm warning to change their behaviour or face court action but they chose to ignore that warning and have now been excluded from the community they harassed.

"The message is clear: law-abiding residents and the council are not prepared to put up with such levels of antisocial behaviour. Those who either cause or allow aggressive and threatening behaviour will face the toughest sanctions.

"Once again a parent has had to learn a bitter lesson because of their failure to control their children. Had Ms Davey treated the council's concerns seriously and stopped her sons from causing these problems she may have saved her tenancy."