Two teenage girls from Bath have received anti-social behaviour injunctions.
Avon & Somerset Police successfully applied to magistrates for the court orders on Thursday 12th March.
The youth court in Bath heard that the pair, aged 13 and 14, are part of a group of young people who have been causing problems in the city centre, including around the bus and railway stations.
The girls had previously each been given an Acceptable Behaviour Contract (ABC), a voluntary written agreement, due to their anti-social behaviour. In signing the contract, they had agreed to abide by the terms specified, but the ABCs were breached.
Both teenagers are also currently the subject of referral orders, which aim to prevent re-offending.
Last Thursday, police prosecutor Rachael Stitt asked the bench to impose a 12-month injunction on each girl, although the Youth Justice Service, which has been working with the teenagers, requested six-month injunctions.
Magistrates agreed to a 12-month injunction for the 13-year-old, while an interim injunction was imposed on the 14-year-old girl. As she is seeking new legal representation, her case was adjourned until 26th March for a final decision.
The orders include several prohibitions. The girls are banned from entering the city centre unless accompanied by a parent, legal guardian, police officer or professional from the children’s or youth justice services.
They can’t be together in public unless at a group activity supervised by professionals, and are not allowed to have containers of alcohol with them in public. They must not intimidate or harass anyone, including on social media, and can’t enter anywhere where they have been given a written ban.
The chair of the bench warned both teenagers last Thursday of the consequences of not abiding by their injunctions. They could be sent to a detention centre for up to two years.
The public are not allowed inside youth courts, but journalists with UK press cards are allowed to cover cases with the magistrates’ permission.
Although reporting restrictions prevent the youths from being named or giving other information that might identify them, The Youth Court Bench Book, published by the Judicial College, states: “Fair and accurate reports of proceedings, even where individuals are not identified, should be encouraged where appropriate as they can help promote public confidence.”
