Tearaway in court for breaching ASBO twice (From Warrington Guardian)

Tearaway in court for breaching ASBO twice

A TEENAGER whose 'reign of terror' once made the lives of Winsford residents a misery has been convicted of breaching his anti-social behaviour order twice.

Thomas James Halford, 16, of Bradbury Road, appeared before magistrates at Northwich on Monday charged with breaking two conditions of the two-year order in the early hours of January 1 this year.

Witness Leslie Edwards, 27, also of Bradbury Road, told the court that Halford verbally abused him and James Edwards - who Halford is prevented from associating with under the terms of the order - as he walked home from visiting his father.

He added that the pair came to his house armed with golf clubs and threatened to smash his windows after he had confronted them on the street.

James Cullen, defending Halford, said: "My client starts in a difficult position as he is subject to an ASBO.

"Leslie Edwards knew this and knew that by associating him with James Edwards he could land my client in big trouble."

Under cross-examination from Kate Hurst, prosecuting, Halford said Mr Edwards had assaulted him for 'no reason whatsoever'.

He also denied being with James Edwards at any time on January 1.

But chairman of the bench Ruth Downs said: "We accept that Mr Edwards suffered abuse from the group of which you were a part of and we are sure he felt threatened.

"We are also sure that he correctly identified James Edwards as being with you on the night in question."

Magistrates told the defendant they were keeping all options open in considering a punishment for the breaches and ordered a full pre-sentence report to be prepared.

Halford was released on unconditional bail and ordered to appear again for sentencing on September 21.