Youth banned from Preston estate for two years

Published by lpriest for Progress Housing Group in Housing and also in Communities, Health

An 18 year old man from Penwortham has been given an Anti-Social Behaviour Injunction (ASBI) with Power of Arrest for two years.

Luke Ashton, ofRyefield Avenue, was given the Injunction atPreston County Courtafter he had threatened residents of the Kingsfold estate in Penwortham with a knife and baseball bat.

The Injunction was sought by New Progress Housing Association after receiving complaints from local residents about Ashton. The ASBI bans Ashton from entering most streets on the Kingsfold estate for two years. If he does enter the area he is banned from, Ashton faces arrest for breaching the ASBI.

Ashton is currently serving a prison sentence for possession of an offensive weapon, but is due to be released this month.

Deputy District Judge Burrows, at Preston County Court, told Ashton: “It is clear that you have been engaging in conduct that caused alarm and distress to residents and this behaviour  included the threat of violence.“

“I have carefully considered the witness statements provided and the order for a two year period I find to be reasonable.”

Gary Melia, Deputy Managing Director for New Progress Housing Association said: “This is an important result for the local community. It will reassure local residents that we are working hard with our partners, the Penwortham Neighbourhood Policing team,  to ensure that the unacceptable behaviour of the minority does not affect the quality of life for those living in our communities.”

The injunction, which lasts until 26 September 2014, sets out several conditions aimed at curbing the anti-social behaviour of Ashton. It forbids Ashton from:

• Entering the areas he is banned from on the Kingsfold estate
• Causing harassment, alarm or distress to any person
• Engaging in abusive, threatening or intimidating language or behaviour

If Ashton enters the areas of the Kingsfold estate from which he is banned from he can be arrested for breaching his Anti-Social Behaviour Injunction.

Residents are encouraged to phone the Police on 101 or New Progress Housing Association on 01772 450600 if they see Ashton breaching his Injunction.