A MAN who used racist language and behaviour has been placed under an ASBO.

Police and St Helens Council say 21-year-old Neil Andrew Williams was also violent, threatening, and insulting to others.

He also damaged property and rode a motorbike on a public footpath.

Police and the local authority took action to secure the anti-social behaviour order against Williams, of Woolton Close, Ashton in Makerfield.

Officers had received numerous reports concerning his behaviour on the North Ashton Estate in St Helens.

The ASBO will last for two years and the conditions Williams must comply are:

  • Not to enter or be found in a certain area of Ashton in Makerfield.

However, he may enter for the sole purposes of residing at an address in Cedar Grove with the consent of the tenant of that property and travelling to and from that address without loitering via the most direct route of Billinge Road,Birch Grove,Poplar Avenue and Cedar Grove.

  • Not to use threatening,intimidating,abusive or insulting words or behaviour or disorderly behaviour to members of the public in any part of the borough of St Helens.
  • Not to use or threaten to use violence in the borough of St Helens.
  • Not to carry any pool or snooker cue in a public place.
  • Not to damage or attempt to cause damage to property not belonging to him within the borough of St Helens.
  • Not to enter any shop premises from which he has been told he is barred from.
  • Encouraging or inciting others to carry out any of the prohibited acts on his behalf.

If Williams does not adhere to conditions set out in the ASBO he will be liable on conviction to a term of imprisonment not exceeding five years or a fine or to both.

Joel Whittle, chair of the St Helens Crime and Disorder Partnership Race Hate Crime Group, said: "Racist abuse and behaviour is not tolerated in St Helens.

"We are sending a stark warning to those who continue to behave in such an anti-social manner that the St Helens Crime and Disorder Partnership will not hesitate in taking the appropriate action."

Neighbourhood Police Inspector Zoe Thornton stated: "Williams's behaviour was seriously affecting the quality of life for a number of local residents in the North Ashton area.

"My officers worked closely with the local community and our partners such as Helena Housing and St Helens Council to secure this ASBO.

"This is another example of working together to tackle anti-Social behaviour within our neighbourhood.

"We will be monitoring Williams's adherence to the conditions in the ASBO and request that any information regarding breaches of it be reported to my Neighbourhood Officers on 0151 709 6010.

"The ASBO serves as a warning to others that such behaviour is not acceptable and will not be tolerated."