Court wants us to name Stacey Law

TEENAGE troublemaker Stacey Law is the first in Gravesham to have an Anti-Social Behaviour Order (ASBO) made against her.

The 14-year-old admitted making life hell for her neighbours in Waterdales, Northfleet.

In a victory for your right to be protected from her racist abuse and threatening behaviour, the court agreed with the News Shopper we should be allowed to name her.

We successfully argued that the public which will be protected by the ASBO has a right to know to whom it applies.

Gravesham Council's solicitor Paul Tapsell said: "Local authorities are not prepared to stand by and let anti-social behaviour carry on non-stop.

"The wider community needs to be made aware that things are being done to prevent it."

The authority was prepared to call 11 witnesses, including residents, police officers and some its own officials, to cite evidence of abusive language, harassment and criminal damage from January to July this year.

But at the last hour, Stacey agreed to the terms of the ASBO, set to run for three years.

Rejecting claims by Stacey's solicitor, Thomas Halpin, that her identity should be protected, magistrate John Tuggey told her: "It is in the public interest for you to be identified in the local community. For the order to be effective, the public need to be aware of what you can and can't do."

He told Stacey's mum, Tracey Bennett: "This matter is so serious that to get you the help you need, we will make a parenting order."

This means Mrs Bennett will get "appropriate care, protection and support" from West Kent Youth Offending Team. She will be required to attend counselling and guidance sessions for three months.

Both Stacey and her mum could face criminal charges if they breach these orders. This could mean up to five years in a secure unit for Stacey.

In light of the order being granted, Gravesham suspended repossession proceedings against the family home.

Senior housing officer Norman Parry said: "This order is a great success for the residents who have organised themselves to give evidence."

Gravesham's leader Councillor Rosemary Leadley has promised to take out more ASBOs "against those who cause havoc and distress".

Speaking after the hearing, Mrs Bennett, who also has a 16-year-old daughter and 17-year-old son, said: "Stacey is not the only one who has caused trouble in the area. I hope this will help put an end to it."

The order says Stacey

Law ...

l Must not engage in conduct which causes, or is likely to cause, harassment, alarm or distress to residents or visitors in Waterdales

l Must not use foul, offensive or racist language likely to be threatening, abusive or insulting

l Must not assault, threaten or intimidate residents or their visitors

l Must not threaten, attempt or cause criminal damage to properties in the area

l These conditions relate to an area bordered by Thames Way, Vale Road and Hall Road, Northfleet.

December 19, 2001 10:41

Richard Simcox