To put an ASBO in place takes a concerted effort, usually from the afflicted community working in tandem with Council and Police. The meetings and attention to endless detail are frightening and to achieve - or to fail to achieve - the imposition of an ASBO can cost thousands of pounds and take what seems an eternity to the local people who have been targeted and victimised by some couldn't-care-less yob.Once in place the ASBO is seen as a badge of honour by the recipient and makes his/her mates quite envious; covetous even.
The aim of the system was to prevent the person being in situations where their type of offending occurred - so, an ASBO might be given stating that "You may not hang around on such and such a street corner." If they do stick to the order, they just find a new corner.
Common sense dictates that you therefore say "No street corners." Then come the legal objections. "Far too broad. Unfair to the hoodlum!"
Recent figures show that even after all these concessions, over 90% of orders are breached and that an incredibly minute 6% are jailed for breach. [Do remember that the original intention was "Breach and you go down." 100%. certain]
What an exercise in utter pointlessness. You have failed to prove to the young thug that their lifestyle is simply not worth it.
If our do-gooders and politicians are unwilling ever to punish - why not simply say:- "We have no desire to punish - ever. We despise the people who are enduring rampant crime. We don't care!"
Awful as all of this is from New Labour, consider the recent bilge from the Leader of the Opposition. No hope of punishments from that source. Lib Dems? - They are even more wet!
Once again. Are they all trying to push voters to the BNP?
The trouble is that JPs and Judges feel unhappy about jailing somebody "Just for standing on a street corner " - and even if they do get the point, chances are guidelines no longer allow it. Only 37% are currently jailed for committing an offence when subject to an ASBO!
The liberal left - don't you just adore 'em?
Credited, I believe to a Julia Howe.
ASBO, ASBO, little law,
How we wonder what you're for,
Chavs and yobs who love to fight
Terrorise us every night.
Toothless, useless, little law,
How we wonder what you're for.
On the streets with hoods and knives,
How they terrorise our lives,
Though they all should be in bed,
All you do is boost their cred'.
ASBO, ASBO, can't you see
You are an accessory.
ASBO, ASBO, little law,
How we wonder what you're for,
Words will never rule the street,
We need coppers on the beat.
Toothless, useless, little law,
How we wonder what you're for.
