Antisocial Behaviour Orders

HC Deb 24 October 2002 vol 391 c450W

Jim Cunningham

To ask the Solicitor General what role the Crown Prosecution Service has in prosecuting anti-social behaviour orders. [75305]

The Solicitor-General

An Antisocial Behaviour Order is normally obtained by the police or a local authority. The application is made before a magistrate's court, exercising its duties as a civil court, or the County Court.

A breach of an Antisocial Behaviour Order constitutes a criminal offence. The CPS is responsible for the review and prosecution of allegations of breach of ASBOs.

In 2001 there were 85 prosecutions for breaches of ASBOs. Of these, 69 led to a conviction, 9 were dismissed and 7 not separately dealt with. The conviction rate for breaches, taken at its lowest, is thus 81 per cent. (69 out of 85 cases)