New measures would 'oil the wheels of justice' (From Warrington Guardian)

New measures would 'oil the wheels of justice'

A SENIOR Warrington police officer says that new legislation, which provides more protection to people who give evidence against nuisance neighbours, would "oil the wheels of justice."

This week, the Lord Chancellor Lord Falconer said that witnesses and victims would be able to be screened from defendants or give evidence by video link.

The Government wants to make it easier for people, whose lives are being made a misery by "neighbours from hell," to come forward and give evidence.

Detective Inspector Andy Moss, of Warrington CID, said that "it would oil the wheels of justice" by helping bring anti-social offenders before the law.

He said that Anti-Social Behaviour Orders (ASBOs), which are not issued on conviction, require a higher level of evidence and that requires help from the community.

"The new legislation will help make it easier for the community to get involved in sorting out problem people and families in their neighbourhoods and hopefully allow us to take out more ASBOs," DI Moss added.

The legislation could also help bring in more dispersal orders, acceptable behaviour contracts and fixed penalty notices.

It is hoped the measures could be in place by next spring.