Topic: ASBO

[Debs]

http://www.wiltshiretimes.co.uk/news/inyourtown/westburynews/8317581.Westbury_s_ex_Marine_s_Asbo_shock/

Former Royal Marine Douglas Collier is stunned to have become the oldest person in Wiltshire to be given an Asbo at the ripe old age of 74.

Cancer sufferer Mr Douglas, who is adored by his 17 grandchildren, could hardly believe it when a police woman turned up on his doorstep in Westbury Leigh and handed him an interim anti-social behaviour order which had been issued by Chippenham Magistrates’ Court on July 27.

Mr Douglas, who was once a proud wearer of the green beret as a member of 40 Commando Royal Marines in national service, was accused by neighbours Stuart Adey and Evelyn Harrison of giving them abuse and smearing dog excrement on their house. But Mr Collier said this week: “I had just been into Westbury to pick up a prescription.

“I didn’t know anything about it until a policewoman from Westbury came out here. She asked to see me and said they were going to take me to court on September 7.

“The order says that I have sworn at them in the garden and that is drivel. This to me is just evil.”

He is supported by neighbours Lesley and David Blaber who say Mr Collier is the model family man.

Mrs Blaber, 63, said: “He’s a good neighbour who always offers help and looks after you.

“He’s a good family man and was a hard-working businessman all his life.

“I think it’s disgusting that he’s been given this Asbo.”

The retired builder lives with wife Beryl, 66, and their granddaughter Leanne Holland and her dog Alfie in Westbury Leigh, Mr Collier's daughter-in-law, Hazel, 43, who lives next door, said: “I think it’s downright disgusting that a chap of his age can be issued with this.

“The authorities never asked him his side of the story. They’ve treated him like a yob.

“We don't need the stress and the trauma.”

Mr Collier worked for Westbury building firm J D Annetts until 1979. He then became a self-employed builder but had to retire after a hip operation in 2002.

He has prostate cancer and also suffers from arthritis, glaucoma and lung problems.

He said: “I’ve been here 48 years and never had any problems. I’ve never done anyone any harm. I would help anybody.

“I’m 75 this year and I’ve never been in court and never been in trouble. This has spoilt my reputation. I’m very proud of my reputation.”

But Inspector Dave Minty of Warminster and Westbury Police said: “The decision to take this action was not taken lightly. We take reports of this nature very seriously and in this case alternative measures did not prove successful.”

Mr Adey and Miss Harrison who made the accusations moved out a month ago.

But under the order, Mr Collier has been prohibited from contacting them or going within two metres of any of their vehicles or encouraging other people to do so.

He is due to appear at Chippenham Magistrates’ Court again on September 7 for a review of the Asbo.

  hmmm red this story just now in the wilts times     from what i know of police proceedings they dont just give out asbo's willy nilly without warnings. the man must have been warned on more than one occasion about his behaviour/actions. asbos are usually the last resort no matter what your age.
 and why state he is an ex marine??  that was years ago he was that... probably near enough 50 years since he was in the marines so long enough for it not to have made any difference to his behaviour  or the need to be reported i would have though         

[Debs]

i also see that right next to this story in the actual paper there is also another story about a westbury youth also being given one.
   cant say im surprised at this to be honest.... 

[justice]

ASBOS are nonsense though. I think instead of petty punishments we should have zero tolerance. They cleaned up New York with that attitude and it needs to happen here. The young today take absolutely no notice of the police...................

[Debs]

not just the young either justice........  there are adults who have no respect for the police or the law of the land either and do what they want regardless     

[justice]

Yep, I agree, the Police can't be considered blameless these days either though, although they sometimes have to do the job under difficult circumstances.   

[Debs]

most of the time ( if you are to believe what the police tell you) its not even up to the police if they "do" someone or not. its the cps who decide if its worth going through with it or not ( i know that right through experiance im sorry to say)    harrassment orders and asbos certainly aint wortht he paper they are printed on..most just get ignored

and yes... hard work under what is mostly difficult circumstances

[justice]

Yeah that's true, the CPS do decide and even when people are prosecuted the scentences are a joke these days.

[Debs]

Yeah that's true, the CPS do decide and even when people are prosecuted the scentences are a joke these days.

  thats true and so sad.  aways seems to be on the side of the criminal not the victim when is sooo wrong 

[Al]

Playing devils advocate here, he doesn't actually deny doing it...

It all sounds a bit odd to me, there is more to it than we are being told (but then its not really our business). Hopefully sense can prevail.

[billboy]

he did deny it ..

[Debs]

denying something doesnt mean your telling the truth does it???         

[Lizzi Dripping]

to my thinking its like a lot of people who get these asbos are very proud of the fact they have them, and brag about them. you only have to look back to that poor woman who was hounded by a particular family until the day she killed herself along with her disabled child.  w here was the help for this family?  none from what i read. the family concerned just caried on their abuse at her 

[Debs]

http://www.wiltshiretimes.co.uk/news/8370395.Town_teenager_handed_two_year_Asbo/
update on the local youth issued with an asbo

He is also banned from drinking in the streets of Westbury

       this made me laugh i must admit... banned from drinking in the streets!!!!    he is only 17 and shouldnt be able to get the drink in the first place....  mind you didnt stop him drinking a pint or 2 one night i( not too long ago ) in one of the local pubs celebrating his fathers birthday with a lot of his family (and there is quite a few of them)

[Lizzi Dripping]

i have just read this on the wilts time site too..

 must have to agree with the comments though.  he is froma  well known family..... he like  some of his brothers have been in trouble for years on and off...he is the youngest of 8 i believe  the oldest being the only one who hasnt been in trouble.she is in fact a lovely caring grandmother.   the rest being loud  rude obnoxious and in trouble with the nephews following suite as the same with some of the cousins

to be honest cant see the asbo working.  his parents obviously dont care much about it either or he wouldnt have been drinking alochol outside a pub underage would he???