Public need to be protected (From Barry And District News)

Public need to be protected

A 21-YEAR-OLD from Barry has been issued with an Anti Social Behaviour Order (Asbo)'to protect the public' after notching up his seventh conviction for criminal damage since 2002.

Lee Jonathan Camilleri, of Caradoc Avenue, Barry, appeared in Barry Magistrates' Court on February 15.

He admitted a charge of criminal damage in Barry on December 6.

The terms of the Asbo are as follows:

l He is prohibited from being drunk in a public place in the Vale of Glamorgan, except on licenced premises, for a period of two years

l He must not do or say anything that is likely to cause harassment, alarm or distress to any person in the Vale of Glamorgan for a period of two years

Imposing the Asbo, magistrates said: "The defendant has acted in an anti-social manner. He has caused harassment, alarm or distress to one or more persons, not of the same household as himself.

"This is evidenced by his convictions for criminal damage, now totalling seven since February 2002.

"The court finds the defendant's offending is escalating - he committed one offence in 2002, two in 2003 and four offences in 2005.

"It is because of this pattern of offending that the court finds it necessary and proportionate to make the Asbo in the terms stated.

"It appears that all the defendant's convictions for criminal damage have been wanton acts of damage which are increasing in number.

"We make this order to protect the general public in the Vale of Glamorgan."

For the latest charge of criminal damage, he was given a 12-month community order, with 100 hours community service, and was placed under a 6pm to 6am curfew for 50 days.

He was also ordered to pay 50 compensation to the owner of the property he damaged, and 50 court costs.