Gang member banned from Islington borough after knife conviction
A knife-carrying gang member has been banned from Islington for more than two years.
Allan Kalema, 18, was in possession of a large kitchen blade when he was arrested in Holloway Road in November by officers from Islington’s safer neighbourhood task force, led by Sgt Andy Issitt.
He had been identified as a member of a prominent gang and had been arrested a number of times before this incident.
Kalema, of Round Mead, Stevenage, was sentenced to 18 months detention during a hearing at Blackfriars Crown Court last month after admitting possession of the knife. As he no longer lived in Islington, an anti-social behaviour order (Asbo) which prevents him from entering the borough after his release until October 2014, was also granted.
Kalema, who was referred to in court as Kalerma, had earlier stated that he wished to escape from the gang culture. He and his family were supported by Islington Council’s Family Intervention Project (FIP) and Homes for Islington, who worked closely to secure alternative accommodation for the family out of Islington.
Pc Andy Palmer from Islington’s Antisocial Behaviour Team said: “This case clearly demonstrates that here in Islington we will do all that we can to assist those who want to escape from a life of gang violence.
“For those who choose to remain in a gang and take weapons on to the streets we will make every effort to take enforcement action.”
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Cllr Barbara Sidnell, Islington Council’s executive member for community safety, said: “We want a safer Islington with less crime, and we won’t put up with the minority of troublemakers. This case shows there is no place for knives on the streets of Islington and offenders will face firm action.”
Doug Goldring, director of operations at Homes for Islington, said: “We always work closely with the council, the police and the local community to tackle gang crime and anti-social behaviour and to provide a safe environment for our residents.
“This is a great example of partners working together to deliver solutions to reduce anti-social behaviour on our estates.”
