NEWS STORY: JUNE 2008

This page was published as a news story on the date shown. The information in it may have been updated on other pages since then. Please use the navigation links, the search facility, or site-map to check.

Northwards in the news

Teenage girl gets two year ASBO

Sinead Duffy

A teenage girl has received a two-year ASBO after a catalogue of abuse and violence. It's a clear sign that we won't tolerate antisocial behaviour.

Sinead Duffy (14) was told by the judge that she should feel ashamed of herself after physically and verbally abusing older people; including an 83-year-old grandmother.

Duffy of Torksey Walk, Higher Blackley was given the order after hitting, swearing and continually harassing the woman who lived a few streets away from her.

Duffy also vandalised TV aerials belonging to other pensioners in the area, as well as setting fire to a communal bin.

Duffy assaulted one of her victims with a litter picker, and on another occasion threatened to kill her. The teenager also smashed the resident's window with her fists as well as frequently shouting and swearing at her. Duffy banged on windows and doors continually making the lady feel frightened and threatened in her own home.

While sentencing her at Manchester Magistrates Court, District Judge Birrell said: "It is an appalling thing that you did, assaulting an 83 year old woman, you should feel ashamed of yourself, you should cherish the elderly."

The teenager's parents Julie and John Duffy were also given 12 months parenting orders. Judge Birrell added: "You should feel ashamed, having brought your parents to court, both parents are here to support you."

Under the order, Duffy must not act in an antisocial manner anywhere in the city of Manchester. She is now banned from Munn Road, Acretop Road and Liverton Drive, Blackley, except if she is accompanied by her mother, father, or elder sister, and then only to visit relatives.

The court also granted an Individual Support Order for six months.

Northwards board member Joan Fitzgerald said: ''We will continue to work with the council and police to stamp out such unacceptable behaviour and make sure all residents in north Manchester can live in peace and harmony. We hope that others acting in this way will note our determination and our ability to use the law to tackle antisocial behaviour."

print print this page