MIDDLESBROUGH County Court today granted Stockton Council a two-year Anti Social Behaviour Order (ASBO) against 35-year-old Mark Anthony Gibben.
Gibben formerly of 76 Norton Avenue, Stockton, had been ordered to appear at court when a previous application for an ASBO was made against him and his partner on 5 April. On that occasion, the court made him the subject to an interim ASBO. Today's hearing confirmed that Order.
This was the first case where a crack house closure was served, followed by and eviction and Anti Social Behaviour Orders. The move followed a Crack House Closure Notice, served in February by Cleveland Police, and a Closure Order subsequently granted by Teesside Magistrates Court, following complaints of drug dealing from the property.
At the interim hearing, the Court heard there had been an escalation of anti social behaviour linked with the property, causing problems for local residents. There had been constant visitors at all hours of the day and night, making neighbours alarmed, distressed and fearful to leave their homes.
The order prevents Gibben from:
- Engaging in abusive words or behaviour likely to cause harassment, alarm or distress to one or more persons not of the same household.
- Entering the area of Norton Grange bounded by Norton Avenue, Waterford Road/Raleigh Road and Somerset Road and Drake Road and the area within this boundary.
- Allowing visitors to any property where Mark Gibben resides between 8pm and 8am every day.
Councillor Paul Kirton, Stockton Council's Cabinet Member for Community Safety and Protection, said: "I am very pleased the court has made this order. This judgement provides a clear message to anyone in our communities who acts in an anti social manner that we will not tolerate their behaviour."
Kirsty Hardy, Anti Social Behaviour Officer for Stockton Council, said: "We sought this order to give residents in the area respite and reassurance. Our Anti Social Behaviour Team worked very closely with Cleveland Police and Tristar Homes Ltd to ensure a successful outcome."
David Pickard, Director of Housing Management Services at Tristar Homes Limted said: "We successfully secured possession of 76 Norton Avenue some time ago in addition to the Anti Social Behaviour Order obtained by Stockton Council. Tristar Homes has a clear commitment that we will not tolerate anti social behaviour of this nature and will take quick and effective action against the perpetrators."