The News Shopper has won a bid to publish the names of all six youths served with anti-social behaviour orders in a groundbreaking case.

The group, part of the self-styled ‘Slade Green Massive’ forced ordinary, decent families to cower in darkened houses, afraid for their safety for two years.

Never before have six ASBOs been granted at the same time.

The weekly newspaper devoted four pages of its Bexley series – the Bexleyheath & Welling and Sidcup & Bexley editions – to the story, including a front page splash with pictures of three of the youths.

Inside, it detailed their behaviour and carried interviews with victims, senior police officers and leader of Bexley Council.

Linda Piper, chief reporter on the Bexley edition of the weekly title, tracked the case for 10 months through the magistrates’ court and spoke in court on the need to publicise the orders.

She says she was “absolutely delighted” the district judge agreed the youths should be named.

She added: “Lifting the reporting restrictions meant we could really do the story justice and fulfil our role in serving the people of Slade Green and the wider community.”

The orders, which were made at the request of Bexley Council, will last for four years on two of the youngsters and three years for the others.

To break any part of the order, which is a civil matter, becomes a criminal offence which could result in up to five years behind bars.

The conditions of the ASBOs ban the six taking part in assault, abuse, threats, harassment trespass, interfering with property, driving or being carried in a vehicle without the consent of the owner or consorting with anyone committing, attempting to commit or conspiring to commit a crime. They are also banned from congregating in the Slade Green area, in groups larger than three with a number of named individuals.

One resident, who had been chased round her car by one of the youths, who was wielding a large knife, said: “Never in my life have I been so frightened. I genuinely believed I was going to die.

“I believe these boys are bullies and the only way to beat them is to stand up to them. Things could not carry on as they were.”

Back to the law index

Do you have a story about the regional press? Ring 0116 227 3122/3121, or
e-mail [email protected]