ASBO yobs facing prison (From Free Press Series)

ASBO yobs facing prison

THREE teenage thugs face prison sentences for flouting anti-social behaviour orders - and one has been named and shamed.

Kyle Roberts, 17, of Arcadia Way, Trevethin was given an anti-social behaviour order and banned from certain areas of Trevethin and Pontnewynydd, for the next three years.

But Roberts, pictured, flouted the ban, by going to the Cold Barn Farm youth centre area, which was off limits to him.

Just three weeks ago, Abergavenny magistrates imposed the ASBO after hearing that Roberts had threatened a school caretaker, and was abusive to staff at Cold Barn Farm.

He now faces prison for breaching the ASBO and is due to appear in court again this week.

At that hearing, prosecutor Chris Tindall said: "Roberts had plagued Pontnewynydd and Trevethin with a quite appalling series of anti-social acts and abusive behaviour".

And Abergavenny magistrates lifted a previous ban on identifying him in the public interest

Torfaen Community Safety Officer David Jeremiah said: "He, along with other youths, has destroyed the quality of life for many of the citizens in Trevethin and Pontnewynydd over the last 18 months."

Two other 17-year-old boys from Trevethin and Penygarn are also due to appear in court and face prison sentences for allegedly breaching the conditions of their anti-social behaviour orders.

One of the boys breached his ASBO when he allegedly entered Trevethin shops - an area he was banned from.

The other was arrested in a shop in Griffithstown for allegedly being drunk and abusive to staff.

The results of both court cases are expected within the next week.

Local councillors have urged magistrates to be strong with people who breach anti-social behaviour orders.

Councillor Ivor Davies, Torfaen's member for Snatchwood said: "It would be pointless police cracking down on these yobs without any consequences. The police action needs to be backed up in the courts. I hope they are firm with these cases, as people are crying out for action."

Crime and Disorder Reduction Officer PC Andrew Cleaton said: "Witnesses have been brave in providing police and the local authority with evidence to secure these ASBOs. We would encourage members of the public not to be concerned about coming forward to act as witnesses and regain their communities."

Kyle Roberts is banned from; Cold Barn Farm, Barn Close, part of Garth Close and a stretch of Woodside Road; Ysgol Gyfun Gwynllyw; George Street and the surrounding area of Pontnewynydd.