Antisocial Behaviour

HC Deb 10 January 2002 vol 377 cc947-8W

37. Caroline Flint

To ask the Solicitor-General what efforts are being made to ensure that the Crown Prosecution Service works effectively with the police and local authorities to secure successful prosecutions in antisocial behaviour cases. [23873]

The Solicitor-General

The CPS work with the police and local authorities through the local partnerships set up under the Crime and Disorder Act.

In February 2000 all key agencies launched the antisocial behaviour protocol and there have been joint training seminars and joint guidance.

Between April 1999 and September 2000:

• 466 Antisocial Behaviour Orders were made by Magistrates Courts.
• 53 defendants were prosecuted for breach of such Orders.
• 47 were convicted.

An application by the police or local authority for an ASBO is a civil matter and not for the CPS. The CPS are involved when an ASBO is breached as this is a criminal offence.