Magistrates in Sevenoaks have given an anti-social behaviour order (asbo) to a 16 year old boy from Swanley after hearing of the harassment, alarm and distress caused to the community by his behaviour.

Nicholas Wing, 16, of The Orchard, Swanley was given a two year asbo which lasts until July 2012 which prohibits him from:

• entering ASDA Superstore, Swanley or the adjoining car parks
• entering Whiteoak Leisure Centre, Hilda May Avenue, Swanley  or the adjoining car parks
• entering Sherlock Stores, Sherlock Avenue, Swanley

The application for the order was made by police in west Kent working in conjunction with other members of the Sevenoaks Community Safety Partnership.

Previous action was taken to stop Wing's behaviour

During the application hearing the court was told of Nicholas Wing’s anti-social behaviour over a period of more than a year. Evidence put to the court included banning letters prohibiting him entering premises and statements concerning his verbal abuse of others. The Community Safety Partnership told the magistrates of interventions they had made previously with Nicholas and his family to try to prevent further anti-social behaviour. They explained to the court that Nicholas was dismissive or aggressive to these approaches and openly abusive towards people who tried to speak to him about his behaviour.

Speaking on behalf of the Sevenoaks neighbourhood policing team Insp Rob Slade said: 'This asbo is welcome news for the Swanley residents and businesses who have been on the receiving end of this boy’s unacceptable behaviour. This type of behaviour is not acceptable and will not be tolerated.

‘Hopefully during the time the asbo is in place he will accept the help and support that is being offered to him.'

Cllr Elaine Bracken, Sevenoaks District Council’s Cabinet Member with responsibility for Community Safety, added: 'Asbos are not something that we take lightly and are only used as a last resort. However, the Community Safety Partnership has a duty to protect our residents so we will, with the Police, seek an order if we feel it’s the best course of action for the community and the person concerned.'

Posted on: 16 July 2010