Tearaways given ASBOs

Two young tearaway schoolboys pelted houses in part of Telford with eggs and water bombs and threatened residents leaving many afraid to go out of their homes, a court heard today.

The pair, who cannot be named for legal reasons, were responsible almost solely for a total of 49 anti-social incidents in the Aqueduct area since April last year.

Telford Youth Court heard that the incidents ranged from throwing eggs, water bombs and mud at people's homes and cars to throwing and kicking balls against houses, recklessly driving mini-motos and threatening local residents.

Miss Kriss Ewing, acting for Telford & Wrekin Council, told the hearing that the teenagers on one occasion also sprayed "gas" into the face of a young girl in a phone box.

She said the same youths also played chicken on the main road, causing cars to make emergency stops. They also let down car tyres.

The council successfully applied for two-year Anti-Social Behaviour Orders in respect of the boys which orders them to stay away from Aqueduct.

The order also outlaws a raft of anti-social acts, such as causing harassment, alarm or distress to anyone, kicking fences, setting fires or causing damage. Magistrates were this afternoon deciding whether to allow the boys to be identified.

Miss Ewing, applying for the order, said numerous people said the boys' behaviour upset and frightened them. She said one resident had contacted the police on so many occasions about the boys that he could no longer leave his home without being confronted by them.

She said another resident said in a statement: "I feel that me and my family are prisoners in our own home."

Miss Ewing told the magistrates that applying for an Anti-Social Behaviour Order was the last resort.

Mr Mark Thompson, defending both boys, said that one of them had not committed a criminal offence for one year and the other for almost two years.

He claimed Anti-Social Behaviour Orders were not appropriate in their cases.

He added: "It is quite clear they are ashamed about being before the court this morning and this order being asked for."

The hearing continues.

By Simon Hardy