Yate man receives interim ASBO » Local Government » 24dash.com

An interim Anti Social Behaviour Order (ASBO) has been granted for persistent offender Philip Powner, 76, from Yate after he targeted properties and gardens in Iron Acton, South Gloucestershire.

Mr Powner appeared before Northavon Magistrates' Court on Tuesday 19 December where a six-month interim ASBO was granted, which will run until 19 June 2007.

The court heard how Powner had been causing anxiety and distress to the close-knit village community in and around Iron Acton.

He trespassed into residents' lovingly cared-for gardens and allotments in the early hours of the morning and stole hanging baskets, ornaments, wheelbarrows and vegetables to sell on. 

His persistent anti social behaviour has been intimidating and alarming to the mainly elderly population of this area, putting them constantly on their guard.

Under the interim ASBO, Powner is prohibited from:

Entering or attempting to enter the garden of any private property within South Gloucestershire, without the express prior consent of the occupier Entering or attempting to enter any allotment within South Gloucestershire, without the express prior consent of the allotment owner.

Acting or inciting others to act in an anti-social manner, that is to say, a manner that causes or is likely to cause harassment, alarm or distress to one or more persons not of the same household as himself.

Philippa Isbell, Safer South Gloucestershire's anti social behaviour coordinator, said:  "Phillip Powner has taken advantage of innocent people in his local community whilst relying on the likelihood that his victims will think that stolen hanging baskets or produce are too petty to report to the police.
 
"Through talking to those affected by his actions, the police and Safer South Gloucestershire have been struck by how much misery Powner's anti social behaviour has caused and how it has affected the quality of life of local people, hence our use of the powers available to us to curb this and all types of anti social behaviour across South Gloucestershire."

Sector Inspector Mark Hedgcock, of Avon and Somerset Police, added:  "Powner is a persistent offender who has caused considerable distress to a number of people in the local community. This sends out a clear message that behaviour of this type will not be tolerated inthe area. This order has been obtained so that people living in the area no longer have to put up with this sort of persistent anti-social behaviour.

"Breaching an ASBO constitutes a criminal offence which could lead to a custodial sentence. I would urge the public to report any suspected breaches to the police by telephoning 0845 846 7000.

"This case highlights how closely we work with Safer South Gloucestershire and other agencies to tackle the concerns of local people."