Pair issued with ASBOs after Earby gang trouble

9:07pm Thursday 24th April 2008

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TWO men have been given anti-social behaviour orders after residents' lives were made a misery by a drunken gang.

And police are appealing for witnesses to come forward who have been victims of the drink-fuelled rampages as they seek to impose similar orders on the two men's friends.

James Hall, 21, and David Baker, 20, were given interim anti-social behaviour orders by Burnley Magistrates Court on Monday after residents in the town complained they had made their lives hell for two to three years.

Police believe the Hall, from Foulridge, and Baker, of Leeds, form part of a seven strong gang of men in their 20s who have been terrorising the neighbourhood after taking part in drinking binges.

Residents in the town have complained of their behaviour for the last few years but in particular over the last six months.

Both men lived in the town until the last few months but have been coming back to meet with gang members and causing a nuisance.

The conditions of the orders mean that both men must not cause harassment to residents while drunk.

They are not allowed to be in possession of opened alcohol in public places in the West Craven area and are not allowed in the area bounded by New Road, Victoria Road and Aspen Lane between 8pm and 8am.

Both men are also not allowed to associate with each other or Joel Howard and Lee Phillips within the West Craven area. Baker is not allowed to associate with Karl Farrell or Jonathan Farrell.

Sgt Carole Langhorn said: "These men have committed various offences over the last two to three years that have escalated during the last six months, making the lives of residents in Earby a nightmare.

"The West Craven Neighbourhood Policing Team, in conjunction with PC Fitzpatrick, Pendle's Anti-Social Behaviour Officer, has worked in close partnership with local businesses and members of the community to address the negative impact of the behaviour of these two men.

"The extremely positive result from the court is excellent news for the people of Earby who can now enjoy some peace of mind that this behaviour will not go unchecked. A breach of this interim anti social behaviour order could mean a fine, imprisonment, or both.

"I would personally like to thank the people of Earby for coming forward and providing information about these people. Without the community's help, we would not have been able to obtain these interim orders."

Residents in Earby said problems had been getting steadily worse over the past few years.

One woman said: "They are vandalising everything and causing loads of trouble but the police don't seem to do anything about it, no matter how many times you ring to report things, even though it's always the same people responsible."

The interim orders are in place until the full hearing at Reedley Magistrates Court on June 12.

But police are calling on residents to come forward with information about their behaviour and those of their associates.

Anyone with any information is asked to contact Sgt Langhorn at Barnoldswick Police Station on 01282 472820, or to contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.