As part of its commitment to tacking anti-social behaviour, Teignbridge Council has worked closely with Devon & Cornwall Constabulary to achieve an Interim Anti-Social Behaviour Order (ASBO) against a Teignbridge resident.

At Newton Abbot Magistrates Court on Monday 30th June, an Interim ASBO was granted against Jason O'Neil, 37, of Bradley Lane, Newton Abbot. The ASBO will remain in effect until a Full Hearing takes place. Mr O'Neil has been summonsed to appear on Friday 1st August at Torquay Magistrates Court for a directions hearing prior to a date being set for the Full Hearing.

Mr O'Neil has engaged in anti-social behaviour regularly and consistently over an extended period of time, with Police logging incidents from 2006. A total of 20 logged incidents were presented to the court by the Police, including multiple domestic disturbances, noise complaints, parking disputes and abusive behaviour toward neighbours.

The hearing was held without Mr O'Neil's knowledge due to previous threatening and intimidating behaviour towards witnesses. Following today's judgement letters will be sent out to residents of the areas affected outlining details of the order. These will encourage them to report any breaches to the police. If Mr O'Neil fails to comply with the terms of the order he can be arrested.

His Interim ASBO comprises five conditions prohibiting him from engaging in any of the following acts in England and Wales:

1. Acting or inciting or encouraging others to act in an anti-social manner, that is to say in a manner that causes or is likely to cause harassment, alarm or distress in any public or private place.

2. Using or encouraging others to use foul, abusive, insulting, offensive, threatening or intimidating language or behaviour in any public place.

3. Approaching threatening, intimidating or communicating directly or indirectly with any of the witnesses.

4. Playing or allowing to be played amplified music at 1 Bradley Lane, Newton Abbot or at any other place at which they are ordinarily resident.

Cllr Brian Berman, Teignbridge Executive Spokesperson for Community and Regulatory Services said:

"Addressing anti-social behaviour is one of our key priorities, and I am glad that we have been able to take this necessary step to help protect our community from the damaging actions of Mr O'Neil.

"While there is not a high incidence of anti-social behaviour in Teignbridge compared with the national average, we can and will take measures against anybody who consistently engages in such behaviour. The point has to be emphasised that it is unacceptable, and that we all have the right to live without fear of harassment, abuse, or any other form of anti-social behaviour."

Andy Davies, Teignbridge Anti-Social Behaviour Officer said:

"Mr O'Neil is a persistent offender who has caused harm to his community, and as such I am very glad that we have successfully achieved this Anti-Social Behaviour Order.

"I hope that it not only serves to protect the community, but to give Mr O'Neil call to reflect on his behaviour and the impact that it has on other people. Prevention is always better than cure, and I hope that this ASBO will serve to prevent future harm to the community.

"However, I would emphasise that ASBOs can benefit from community assistance, and I would urge anybody who witnesses any breaches of this order to contact their local police station."

PC Steve Cayless, Police Neighbourhood Beat Manager said:

"As the Neighbourhood Beat Manager for the area including Bradley Lane, the quality of life for the residents is one of my top priorities. I have experienced first hand the behaviour of Mr O'Neill and can fully empathise with the residents whose lives he has affected.

"Hopefully the residents, many who have lived there for a number of years, can now start enjoying their homes without fear of aggression from Mr O'Neill."

For media enquiries please contact
Tim Borrett,
Teignbridge Media and Communications team
on 01626 215164
or email tborrett@teignbridge.gov.uk,

or the Devon & Cornwall Constabulary Press Office
on 01392 452200
or forcepressoffice@devonandcornwall.pnn.police.uk

Notes to Editors:

1. This ASBO was applied for by Devon and Cornwall Constabulary on conviction by the Crown Prosecution Service; as a result of partnership working through the South Devon and Dartmoor Crime Reduction Partnership, of which Teignbridge Council is a key member. A police partnership office operates at Teignbridge Council's headquarters, which includes a community police sergeant, a crime reduction officer and an anti-social behaviour officer.