Yob banned from his own front door

Jan 20 2005 Paul Carey, Western Mail

A YOUNG troublemaker who waged a seven-month reign of terror on his neighbours has been banned from going through the front door of his own home.

In a case believed to be the first of its kind, Luke Davies, 17, was ordered by magistrates to use the back door of his house. He can only use the front door when he's 21.

The door lockout was imposed by Cwmbran magistrates after they heard details of the distress suffered by his neighbours.

So bad was his behaviour, which included attacking homes and cars and shouting obscenities, that police had to use CS gas to subdue him. The court also heard neighbours in his street, Brynavon, in Blaenavon, kept a "diary of distress".

The Anti-Social Behaviour Order imposed on Davies includes a strict exclusion zone around his street, which includes the front of his house. He is only allowed to use a footpath leading to the rear of his house.

David Jeremiah, for the Torfaen Community Safety Partnership, which brought the prosecution, said, "He is a very angry young man, he has great difficulty in controlling his behaviour and attitude and he frightens and intimidates people. We are trying to send out a message that decent people have every right to have quality of life."

Scott Bowen, representing Davies, did not contest the order.

He said, "He has taken a very pragmatic view and accepts these incidents."

Magistrates imposed the Asbo on Davies until he is 21 and ordered him not to approach anyone living in his street.

Pc Andrew Mason, a community safety officer, said, "We felt these conditions were necessary because of the problems he was causing his neighbours."