Last chance for ASBO teenager

Published on 29th November 2007 in News

A Goole teenager was saved from custody or a hefty fine and given one last chance to turn her life around this week when she was found guilty of four counts of breaching an anti-social behaviour order (ASBO).

Roxanne Cooper (16), of Sutton Street, pleaded guilty to four counts of breaching an ASBO against her that is in place until January 24, 2009 when she appeared at Goole Magistrates' Court last Wednesday.

Prosecutor Brian Clark told the court that, as part of the ASBO, Miss Cooper was forbidden from entering parts of the town that include Victoria Street, Hook Road, Fountayne Street, Burlington Crescent, Kingsway and Estcourt Terrace.

But the court heard that on four separate occasions between August 27 and September 24, Miss Cooper was seen, either by a police officer or caught on CCTV footage, walking along the forbidden streets.

When asked by police why she had breached her ASBO, Miss Cooper said that it was because it would have taken "three times as long" to walk around the area that she is not allowed in, than to just walk through it.

Defending, Willem Louw told magistrates: "She is a lovely girl that has so much to give to life, and it is a sad situation to see here today.

"Honesty is the apt word here. It is the only way that Miss Cooper will get her life back on track.

"There are four breaches of Miss Cooper's ASBO, but what did she do? She was on the road because she didn't want to walk as far.

"She was on the way to her auntie's on one occasion, and used a road as a way of getting there. This is a place of democracy and freedom, and we should ask oneself about freedom of movement."

The court heard that Miss Cooper had begun a local college course that she was enjoying, and Mr Louw asked that she was not sent to a custodial centre because she would "not have time to reflect upon her problems".

When given a chance to speak, Miss Cooper told the court that she was a "confused girl" who had been in and out of education since the age of 14.

"I want to stick at college, I enjoy it," she said.

When asked why she breached her ASBO, Miss Cooper said: "The area that my ASBO covers is a big area, and it's where a lot of people live.

"I hope I change soon. I want to get somewhere in life and become independent."

For breaching an ASBO, defendants may be liable to a fine of up to £2,000 or up to two years imprisonment.

After considering the case, magistrates told Miss Cooper: "We have thought long and hard over what is the right course of action. This is your very last chance."

Miss Cooper was told that the fact that she had not offended since her last court appearance, and that she was willing to finish a college course, had worked in her favour.

A supervision order against Miss Cooper was revoked and replaced with a three-month Action Plan order that includes three requirements. Miss Cooper must participate in specific activities - such as learning more about substance misuse - she must comply with her ASBO, and complete her current college course.

Miss Cooper was also ordered to carry out ten hours of unpaid work in the community, and is due before the court once again on December 19 to monitor her progress. No court costs were awarded.