Holloway teen punished under new anti-social behaviour law

Yvon Phyl, 18, of Shearing Way, was part of a group causing trouble in the North Road area in October, where residents had been plagued by intimidating anti-social behaviour.

Using new dispersal powers under the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014 – which allow officers to demand individuals deemed likely to exhibit ASB to leave an area for up to 48 hours – Islington police directed Phyl to move on.

But he was found back in the area shortly after and refused to leave, becoming verbally abusive to officers who then arrested him.

Phyl was charged under the act and appeared at Highbury Corner Magistrates’ Court on Friday, November 21 where he was given a six-month conditional discharge and ordered to pay a £142 fine.

Borough commander Det Chf Sup Gerry Campbell said the police would continue to use the legislation to protect families in the borough from the effects of ASB. He said: “Anti-social behaviour has a damaging effect on individuals and communities.

“Because of this we will continue to use all powers available to us to proactively address identified problems.

“I am determined that, with help from residents, the local authority and other partners, we will do everything in our power to tackle ASB in Islington.

“I would urge people to let their local Safer Neighbourhoods Team know what is going on in their communities as this information allows us to deal with problems quicker before they worsen.”

Holloway Ward Police Sergeant Carly Davies said: “We are pleased with the court result as it demonstrates the courts will enforce these new powers and the Holloway Ward team worked hard to achieve this result.

“We ask that everybody considers how their behaviour impacts upon others and we would far rather prevent problems before they occur than take people to court after the event”.

Anyone with information about people committing crime can call police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.