Teenagers given ASBOs after terrorising estate

The ringleaders of a group of youths, who plagued the Smallbridge estate in Rochdale, have been given ASBOs.

Ryan Brierley, 15 and Kalvin Jackson, 14, headed a gang of youngsters who made the lives of Smallbridge residents a misery by setting fire to wheelie bins, stone throwing, shouting and stealing.

Rochdale Magistrates’ Court heard that their behaviour was so bad that elderly residents were too frightened to venture into Stevenson Square in the evening and children were too afraid to visit local parks because the youths congregated on the equipment drinking, swearing and smashing bottles.

Smallbridge Library even had to reduce Monday late opening from 7.30pm to 5.30pm because the nuisance behaviour of the gang meant that some staff refused to go into work.

As well as residents, local businesses and service providers suffered, with the Smallbridge Tenants and Residents Association, the local chippy and health centres becoming a focal point for the group, along with the library.

The order also coincides with the implementation of a Dispersal Order on the estate, which has just been extended by a further 6 months.

The police worked with Rochdale Council and Rochdale Boroughwide Housing to bring a case against the pair after residents and businesses gave evidence against them after initially being too frightened to speak out.

Andrew Gibson, Rochdale Boroughwide Housing enforcement team manager, said: “It has only been with the support of the residents and retailers that we have been able to achieve these positive outcomes for the community and our thanks go out to all those who came forward to assist us.”

The order prohibits Brierley and Jackson from entering Stevenson Square, Buckley View, Great Howarth and Louise Gardens. The ASBO also bans them from using racist or abusive language in public, being in possession of or drinking alcohol in public, failing to leave any premises when requested to do so and associating with each other.

Jackson’s ASBO runs until 8 November 2013 and he is also subject to a 7.00pm to 7.00am curfew for three months.

Brierley’s ASBO will be in place until 30 November 2013 and he is also banned from entering Smallbridge Library.

A two-year order was also made against another member of the group, 14-year old Emily Roberts, in July 2011.

Inspector Jem Davies, of the Pennine Neighbourhood Policing Team Division, said: “It is hoped that these orders will help protect the community from suffering further acts of anti-social behaviour. As police we will continue to adopt a firm stance against anti-social behaviour. Such behaviour will not be tolerated.”

Councillor Martin Burke, cabinet member for Internal and Environmental Services, said: “The behaviour of these youths has blighted the lives of the people of Smallbridge for too long and I commend them for having the courage to report these incidents to the police.”

Anyone who witnesses a breach of the order should phone the police on 101.