Man, 74, given 'no speaking' Asbo

A 74-year-old man from Devon has been barred from speaking to anyone aged under 18 in England and Wales.

The anti-social behaviour order (Asbo) against Frederick George Amery of Mapstone Hill, Lustleigh, was granted by Torquay magistrates.

Police logged 40 incidents of anti-social behaviour, including assaults on young women causing "extreme distress".

The order also prohibits him from approaching, harassing or molesting under 18s in England and Wales.

The action was brought by Teignbridge Council, which it said was part of its ongoing commitment to tackling anti-social behaviour.

Quality of life

The council said it was pleased magistrates had granted the order against a persistent offender who had caused harm to his community and extreme distress to young women.

"I hope that it not only serves to protect the community, but to give Mr Amery cause to reflect on his behaviour and the impact that it has on other people," Anti-Social Behaviour Officer Andy Davies said.

"Prevention is always better than cure, and I hope that this Asbo will serve to prevent future harm."

Neighbourhood team leader, Sgt Ian Stevens from Devon and Cornwall Police, said his priority was the quality of life for Lustleigh's residents.

"I am well aware of the distress Mr Amery has caused and can fully empathise with the businesses, residents and visitors whose lives he has affected," he said.

"Hopefully this order will provide reassurance to the community that we are committed to taking every step available to us in reducing anti-social behaviour, and we would encourage the community to report to us any breaches of the order ."