Gang Asbos threaten youth justice

The new measure, contained in the Crime and Security Bill, would see young people believed to be part of a gang face the prospect of a civil court process that could result in them being banned from associating with friends or wearing certain colours.

Breaching the ban would potentially lead to a custodial sentence.

John Fassenfelt, deputy chair of the Magistrates'

Association, said such a move risks damaging the youth justice system as it would mean county court judges presiding over youth justice cases.

"This would mean yet another agency in the youth justice system sentencing youngsters," he said. "County court judges haven't got the expertise or training to deal with young people."

He added that such a move would also risk stretching the resources of youth offending teams, which would have to try to provide staff to cover the county court hearings.

"We are not against the injunction itself, although you could see it as another way of trying to control youngsters," he said. "If the police say they really need it then we will accept it but I think such matters should be dealt with in the youth courts."

The criticism comes on the back of concerns that have already been raised by the Standing Committee for Youth Justice in January.

The crime bill is currently going through Parliament and remains subject to amendment.

The Home Office was unavailable for comment as CYP Now went to press.