NI to get new anti-social behaviour laws

Northern Ireland looks set get its first ever Anti-Social Behaviour Orders (ASBO's) following legislative proposals announced by the Government today.

Launching a public consultation on the draft legislative proposals, Criminal Justice Minister John Spellar said that the ASBO's would go a long way to removing the anti-social behaviour menace which blights many local communities across the province.

"A consultation earlier this year on measures to tackle anti-social behaviour demonstrated clear public support for the introduction of ASBO's and I am committed to bringing forward the necessary legislation as soon as possible to protect both individuals and communities," the Minister said.

"Anti-Social Behaviour Orders are only one of a range of tools to tackle this kind of behaviour. They are not designed to replace legislation or sanctions which exist now but should complement the active multi-agency approach necessary to tackle anti-social behaviour."

Already operating in England and Wales, Anti-Social Behaviour Orders are effective for a minimum of two years, and are handled by police and local authorities working in partnership.

Police, district councils or the Housing Executive would be allowed to apply to a magistrate for an ASBO against those destroying property or causing a nuisance in the community.

Meanwhile, Mr Spellar has officially opened the new Youth Justice Agency headquarters in Belfast.

The Minister said that since its creation last year, the Agency had become a leading player in youth justice in Northern Ireland, making considerable progress in co-ordinating service provision.

"Ground breaking work is underway to develop restorative themes through the introduction of Youth Conferencing, Reparation Orders and Community Responsibility Orders. I am confident that this building will become associated with all that is best in the delivery of youth justice services," the Minister said.

(MB)