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A teenage girl has received a two-year ASBO after a catalogue of abuse and violence against the elderly. Sinead Duffy, 14 was told by the judge that she should feel 'ashamed' of herself after she physically and verbally abused the elderly residents - one of her victims was an 83-year-old grandmother. Duffy of Torksey Walk, Higher Blackley was given the order after hitting, swearing and continually harassing and threatening the 83-year-old who lived a few streets away from her. Duffy also vandalised TV aerials belonging to other pensioners in the area, as well as setting fire to a communal bin. While sentencing her at Manchester Magistrates Court, District Judge Duncan Birrell said: "It is an appalling thing that you did, assaulting an 83 year old woman, you should feel ashamed of yourself, you should cherish the elderly." The teenager's parents Julie and John Duffy were also given 12 month parenting orders. Judge Birrell added: "You should feel ashamed, having brought your parents to court, both parents are here to support you." Under the order, Duffy must not act in an anti social manner anywhere in the City of Manchester. She is now banned from Munn Road, Acretop Road and Liverton Drive, Blackley, unless she is accompanied by her mother, father, or elder sister, and then only to visit relatives. The court also granted an Individual Support Order for six months. Joan Fitzgerald, board member of Northwards Housing which covers the Blackley area said: ''We will continue to work with the council and police to stamp out such unacceptable behaviour and make sure all residents in north Manchester can live in peace and harmony. We hope that others acting in this way will note our determination and our ability to use the law to tackle antisocial behaviour." Councillor Paul Andrews, Executive Member for Neighbourhood Services for Manchester City Council said: "This kind of threatening and abusive behaviour carried out by this young girl will not be tolerated. We take strong action against this unacceptable behaviour. Everyone deserves the right to be able to live in their homes without fear of abuse. Manchester City Council will ensure that this happens." MEDIA CONTACT: Fiona Smith, Press Office, tel: 0161 234 3237 |
