AN attempt to ban a teenager, described as a 'persistent nuisance' from parts of Llandrindod Wells has failed. Had the application for an Anti-Social Behaviour Order (ASBO) to be slapped on the 14-year-old boy been successful it would have been the first such order imposed in Radnorshire. The boy, who cannot be named for legal reasons, is said to have been part of a gang of youths which has terrorised shopkeepers and businesses in the Spa town. But the application by Powys County Council and Dyfed Powys Police to make the teen terror the subject of the ASBO failed, despite magistrate Ann Williams admitting the 14-year-old was 'a little nuisance.' Brecon magistrate's court heard of a reign of terror in Llandrindod with youths on the rampage, running riot through a hotel, harassing shopkeepers and shoppers and even disturbing patients at the town's hospital. But the bench said it wasn't satisfied the boy had been involved in all of the incidents, and declined to order the ASBO, which would have prevented him from entering parts of the town centre, unless supervised by a parent, congregating in a group of three or more people, or engaging in conduct likely to cause alarm or distress. Ms Williams said the application for an ASBO was 'premature' and noted the boy had, in youth court proceedings immediately prior to the application, been made the subject of a three month supervision order after he was convicted of a criminal damage charge. A parenting order was also made by the court. She told the boy the bench was concerned at his behaviour: "We are concerned about your behaviour. It's no good going on behaving as you have been, you want to get on with people and you don't want to be seen as a little nuisance all of the time." After the case, PC Clive Rees, of Llandrindod Wells police station, who gave evidence of numerous calls received by the police regarding anti-social behaviour by the boy, said the public shouldn't be disheartened by the decision. "It's a positive step that this offender has been given the opportunity to change his ways," said PC Rees.
