inews-asbo

Publications by New Journal Enterprises

Home

Archive

Competition

Islington Tribune - by JAMIE WELHAM
Published: 7 December 2007

Estates ban for teenager in harassment campaign

Youth used area as ‘a playground for anti-social behaviour’

A TEENAGER whose campaign of harassment brought misery to tenants on housing estates has been slapped with a two-year ban.
Michael Carlin, 17, from Holloway, terrorised people on estates in the Caledonian Road area with racist taunts, vandalism and drug and alcohol binges.
He was served with a two-year anti-social behaviour order (Asbo) at Thames Magistrates’ Court.
The Asbo bans him from the area bounded by Brewery Road, Caledonian Road, Regent’s Canal and York Way.
The court was told that Mr Carlin was part of a gang that intimidated tenants on the Boston, Bemerton and Nailer estates.
PC Carel Le Masson, from Caledonian Safer Neighbourhoods Team, said the teenager’s behaviour was intolerable. He added: “I hope it sets an example to others that we will not tolerate this type of behaviour. He does not live on the estates but merely treated them as a playground, which he could use to commit anti-social behaviour.
“There is also a need for residents to stand up and be counted in such situations. I know there is the fear of intimidation but people can make a difference if they just come together and say enough is enough.”
Mr Carlin refused to sign an acceptable behaviour contract on two occasions and was subsequently caught offending by a CCTV camera.
Councillor Marisha Ray, Liberal Democrat executive member for community safety, said: “Behaviour of this kind is unacceptable and we are doing everything we can to work with the community to tackle the problem.
“This individual clearly had little interest in the disruption he was causing and thought nothing of travelling to the area and causing trouble.”
Homes for Islington director of operations Doug Goldring said the Asbo would bring some needed peace to the estates.
He added: “Michael Carlin was abusive to Homes for Islington staff when they are there to support and help residents.
“Residents should be able to live without having to face abusive behaviour. We will work with the police and council to take action against people who abuse our staff and cause trouble on Islington’s estates.
“This sends an important message that we take anti-social behaviour seriously and we will work with the police and the council to take action against people who abuse our staff and cause trouble on Islington’s estates.”

Comment on this article.
(You must supply your full name and email address for your comment to be published)

Name:

Email:

Comment:

Your Comments: