ASBO offenders to be named
A new Home Office directive could see individuals served with an anti-social behaviour order face publicity in their local communities.
Local authorities have been urged to increase publicity surrounding such orders, using the media to “name and shame” adults and children, some of which are as young as ten.
The decision to order greater publicity of offenders comes after a 2004 court case decided Brent Council was right to publicise details of a gang who had been causing trouble in the area. But the court concluded that any “publicity should be proportionate and appropriate as it is not intended to punish the perpetrator. In all cases the human rights of the individual are balanced with the human rights of the community as a whole.”
Home Secretary Charles Clarke said it was essential that a clear “yob warning” be sent out to offenders.
“Tackling anti-social behaviour is a major priority for the government. We know that too many communities are still blighted by the mindless behaviour of a few yobs, who can ruin the quality of life for everyone,” Mr Clarke said.
“Many offenders think that they are untouchable and above the law. If they thought that there would be a news blackout on their actions they must now think again.”
He added: “Publicising Asbos has been tested in the courts and today we are making the position crystal clear – your photo could be all over the local media, your local community will know who you are, and breaching an Asbo could land you in prison.”
Mr Clarke said that he hoped the publication of such details would give confidence to the community that problems were being tackled.
But civil liberties groups are concerned that the publication of orders could lead to victimisation and vigilantism.
New Home Office figures reveal that nearly 4,000 Asbos have been issued sine they were first introduced in 1999. Almost 20 per cent of these were issued in the most recent quarter (July to September 2004).
