A GROUP of yobs – including boys aged 12 and 13 - who brought misery to the lives of residents have been handed two year anti-social behaviour orders.

Merseyside Police, St Helens Council and Helena Homes worked with residents in the Sutton Heath area to bring four ringleaders of the group before the court.

They are Adam Jones (18), Kane Mahon (13) and Macauley Parr (12).

One young person, who cannot be identified, remains on an interim ASBO until July when a further hearing will take place.

The tearaways caused damage and threw stones at property, intimidated residents and went into gardens causing residents, who were elderly, alarm and distress.

They defied warnings from the police, council and continuing with their unruly behaviour.

The group have been banned from being in a public place or front garden with one another, throwing stones or other objects at property, entering the front or rear gardens of private property. They are not to play any ball games in a residential street creating any hazards in the roadway to road users.

Chief Inspector Dave Pryce said: "Perpetrators of anti-social behaviour are given the chance to engage with the police and partners to change their ways, but this group continued to have an adverse effect on the residents of Sutton Heath.

“I hope this case will serve as a warning that both the police and the council are prepared to take strong measures against those who act in an unacceptable manner.”

Councillor Alison Bacon, St Helens Council's cabinet member for children and young people said: “The message is clear. We will not tolerate anti social behaviour which causes so much distress to communities.

“Anyone who sees any member of this group breaching the terms of their order should call Merseyside Police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”

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