Press Release

Teenager Faces Ban Under Asbo

March 2008

A TEENAGER involved in crime and intimidation in Islington has been given an Anti-Social Behaviour Order (Asbo) - and warned to change his ways or face prison.

Highbury Corner Magistrates' Court heard police evidence that Mohammed Ahmed, 19, of Harberton Road, Archway, was part of a group of young people responsible for drug and weapon offences and street robberies in Islington.

Residents, shopkeepers and restaurateurs all complained about Ahmed's intimidating behaviour.  Incidents included:

• Causing a nuisance to residents by blocking the communal areas of blocks of flats on the Harvist estate with other young men to smoke cannabis and drink alcohol.
• Smoking cannabis in a children’s play area on the Harvist estate.
• Theft of a handbag and mobile phone.
• Being part of a group of between 80 and 100 people involved in large-scale disorder in Leicester Square where both Police Officers and members of the public were injured.
• Being in possession of drugs.

After the court hearing on Tuesday (18 March) magistrates granted a full Asbo banning him from the Harvist estate and other parts of Finsbury Park ward.

He is also banned from associating with seven named individuals, and from gathering in a public place in a group of three or more people in a manner that causes or is likely to cause any person to fear for their safety.

The Asbo replaces an interim order put in place last September, and lasts until July 2010.

If the order is broken, Ahmed could face a jail sentence.

The case involved close work between the police's Finsbury Park Safer Neighbourhoods Team, Homes for Islington (HFI), and the Islington Council/Islington Police Anti-Social Behaviour Team.

Chief Inspector Jane Johnson said: "This is an excellent example of what Safer Neighbourhood Teams can achieve when they work with Islington Council and Homes for Islington.

"If Ahmed breaks this ban he could face a prison sentence - I hope this acts as warning to others that we will not tolerate this type of anti-social behaviour and intimidation."

A spokesman for Islington Council said: "We're not afraid to take tough action when needed.

"Islington is a safe place for people to live, work and visit, and we're not going to let a few troublemakers change that."

Adam Borrie, Chair of HFI's Board, said: "This is another example of successful partnership working. We'll continue to work with our partners to tackle ASB to ensure that residents can enjoy their homes in peace and quiet."