Asbo served on teen tearaway

7:00pm Thursday 16th August 2007

A TEENAGE delinquent who terrorised Highcliffe before being convicted of assault has been made the subject of an anti-social behaviour order (Asbo) following his release from youth custody.

Leaflets bearing a photograph of Ryan Sheppard, 17, and listing the conditions of his Asbo are now being circulated to homes in Highcliffe and surrounding areas where his crimes have been committed.

Despite his age Sheppard has been involved in several instances of assault, threatening behaviour and public disorder in Walkford and around the Highcliffe recreation ground in the centre of the village.

As part of the Asbo, which runs until his 21st birthday in June 2011, Sheppard is banned from the playing fields in Wharncliffe Road and the areas of Ringwood Road and Glenville Road in Walkford unless accompanied by his support worker or in a motor vehicle driven by a parent.

The order also bars Sheppard from: l acting or inciting others to act in an anti-social manner causing harassment, alarm or distress to others; l assaulting, threatening or intimidating people or encouraging others to do so; l congregating in a group of three or more people in a public place; l threatening, attempting or causing criminal damage; l until his 18th birthday on June 15 2008 being outside in public between 8pm and 6.45 am unless with a responsible adult; l drinking alcohol or being drunk in public; l entering shops and other premises in the borough from which he has been excluded or asked to leave.

Breaches of these Asbo conditions can be reported in confidence to the police on 01202 222 222 and may result in heavy fines or imprisonment.

The Asbo leaflet delivered to local homes reads: "Following a period in detention it is hoped that Ryan will be motivated to change. Ryan is now hoping to start afresh and is supported in this by the Youth Offending Team. We hope that the conditions of the Asbo will help him to stay within the guidelines it sets."

Head of Christchurch police Insp Andy Earley said: "I hope the community that has been affected by this young man's behaviour will take comfort that Dorset Police and our partner agencies will take firm action against anti-social behaviour. The Asbo empowers the community to take action against any further bad behaviour and sends a message to others about the consequences."