THE ringleader of a gang which attacked passers-by, damaged buses and intimidated the public, has been given an Asbo.

Danny Garton's behaviour caused so much concern, Bexley Council succeeded in getting an interim Asbo in December, pending a full hearing last week.

Magistrates issued the wide-ranging order on January 25 after hearing extensive evidence about the 16-year-old's actions.

They heard how he was the ringleader in a large gang of youths who disrupted town centres, including Bexleyheath Broadway.

The order will last three years.

Bexley police's head of operations Superintendent Martin Bagg said after the hearing: "He needs firm boundaries and the Asbo prohibitions will ensure, if he steps over these, police can act to protect local people.

"This work is part of our action plan to break up large groups of individuals who are causing the majority of disorder and fuelling gang related activities."

The order prohibits Garton from:

  • Threatening or harassing people.
  • Using offensive or racist language.
  • Carrying spray paint.
  • Intimidating behaviour or congregating in a group in a way likely to frighten people.
  • Using, committing or threatening to commit violence.
  • Using any object in a way likely to frighten people.
  • Travelling on the top deck of any bus.

The conditions apply to the whole borough.

In addition, Erith resident Garton is prohibited from entering the area of, and specified surrounding roads, Bexleyheath Broadway, except when accompanied by a parent.

He is also banned from entering a specific area around Erith town centre, unless he is visiting the doctors' surgery, the Connexions office in Northumberland Heath or is with a parent.

Garton is also barred from the Albert Road recreation ground in Belvedere and every other children's play area in the borough.

And, unless he is with a parent, Garton is also prohibited from entering any of the shops in West Street, Erith.

Magistrates also ordered Garton not to associate in public with Brett Harvey, except when studying on a Bexley College campus site or taking part in an organised football match.

He can also not meet Kieran Meade, Billy Morgan, Billy Burton, Reece Davis, Jamie Butterworth, Mark Harris, Luke Castell or Nathan Robinson, except when playing in a football match.