Injunction against man whose anti-social behaviour blighted Church Hill community (From Redditch Advertiser)

Injunction against man whose anti-social behaviour blighted Church Hill community

3:10pm Thursday 26th July 2012 in News

A COURT has put a strict injunction on a Redditch man whose anti-social behaviour caused numerous problems in the community.

Scott George Gibson, of no fixed abode, failed to attend Worcester County Court on Friday, July 20 and was given an Anti-Social Behaviour Injunction in his absence.

The injunction was sought by Redditch Council following numerous incidents of assault, threats, abuse, noise and general nuisance within the Greystone Close area of Church Hill, Redditch.

In addition to clauses restricting Mr Gibson’s behaviour the injunction, which lasts for two years and has a power of arrest attached in the case of any breach, forbids him from visiting Greystone Close. It confirms an interim order made in March this year.

In making the order, Judge Rundell said it was “wholly appropriate and inevitable” to grant the injunction in order to protect residents, given the number of incidents prior to the Interim Order and subsequent breaches of it.

Prior breaches of the interim order had been enforced by the council in conjunction with West Mercia Police and resulted in custodial sentences.

Councillor Rebecca Blake, who is responsible for community safety, said: “Communities need firm action from the council, police and the courts. I welcome this injunction which I hope will help give residents in Greystone Close some of the peace and safety they deserve.

“I have spoken to some of the people in Church Hill who suffered some of the worst kinds of anti-social behaviour for far too long and this action demonstrates the council and police’s commitment to keeping communities safe. A lot of work is also going on behind the scenes as we continue to prioritise anti-social behaviour, which is still a blight on too many lives in Redditch.”

Redditch District Inspector Ian Joseph said: “Mr Gibson has proved difficult to manage in that area and this extension enables us to offer greater protection to the community over a longer period.
 

“It demonstrates that the police and council will work together to achieve outcomes that will help those adversely affected by anti-social behaviour while restricting the activities of those who commit offences.

“The injunction gives us the power of arrest should Mr Gibson be found in breach of it and custodial sentences often follow breaches of such orders. It’s a powerful piece of legislation and we welcome its use in this case.”
 

He added that he hoped it would be a deterrent to others.