'Hooligan' law comes into force

ASBOs faced some opposition before being introduced

Legislation aimed at protecting people from anti-social behaviour in Northern Ireland has come into force.

Already operating in England and Wales, Anti-Social Behaviour Orders (ASBOs) are designed to protect the public from harassment.

The new law came into force in Northern Ireland on Wednesday.

ASBOs are civil orders rather than criminal penalties, but breaches are punishable by up to five years in jail.

Effective for a minimum of two years, ASBOs are handled by police and local authorities working in partnership.

The laws aim to deal with problems like underage drinking and vandalism, and can be applied for by police, councils and the Housing Executive to anybody over the age of 10.

It complements measures which already exist John Spellar Criminal justice minister

Criminal Justice Minister John Spellar said the legislation would provide "another tool in dealing with behaviour of this kind which can ruin lives and local communities".

Mr Spellar said the government would work with agencies to ensure the legislation was used "early and effectively".

"It complements measures which already exist and lets those who act in an anti-social way know that they will face firm sanctions," he added.

A police spokesman said the new legislation would provide them with another tool to tackle anti-social behaviour.

"We welcome its introduction and are working with other agencies to implement it," he added.

These type of harsh measures should only be used as a last resort Patricia Lewsley SDLP

Sinn Fein assembly member Catriona Ruane said ASBOs were not the proper way to solve the problem of anti-social behaviour.

"Evidence from England shows that ASBOs failed there, just as they will fail here unless the wider issue of anti-social behaviour is addressed," she said.

"This requires significant resources being available for the provision of services for young people."

Patricia Lewsley of the SDLP said Mr Spellar had "let down all young people in Northern Ireland".

"He is willing to tag people as young as 10 as criminal - this is insane and completely disregards equality legislation, in particular by failing to consult with young people," she said.

"These type of harsh measures should only be used as a last resort, not as the first step of solving anti-social behaviour problems."

Paddy Kelly, Director of the Children's Law Centre, said the introduction of ASBOs meant "criminalising children by the back door".

"ASBOs are clear infringements on the rights of children and young people," she added.

ASBOs faced some opposition during the consultation process, which began in January.

In June, an application by the Children's Commissioner for a judicial review of the consultation process which preceded the legislation was turned down.

The commissioner, Nigel Williams, had brought the action because he felt the proposed move would interfere with young people's rights of privacy.