East Lothian Courier | News | Oldest man in county to be given an Asbo

Tuesday, 6th January, 2009

Published: Thursday, 1st May, 2008 08:00

Oldest man in county to be given an Asbo

A 53-YEAR OLD Musselburgh man – who allegedly terrorised neighbours and council staff for nearly two years – has become the oldest resident in the county to be slapped with an interim anti-social behaviour order (ASBO).

William Godsell, of Eskview Crescent, was said to have made banging noises, played loud music in his home and sworn at East Lothian Council employees in the Brunton Hall, Musselburgh.

It was further alleged that he had separately made inappropriate and unacceptable remarks to council staff; had sworn on a number of occasions within the vicinity of his home to the distress of his neighbours; and deposited rubbish on a neighbour’s doorstep.

Godsell also allegedly conducted himself in a disorderly manner in Our Lady of Loretto RC Church and in the Job Centre, both in Musselburgh.

It was further said that Godsell had issued threats to neighbours and sent offensive letters to a council employee.

All offences were said to have occured between June 2006 and March 2008.

On April 18, at Haddington Sheriff Court, East Lothian Council successfully obtained an interim ASBO against Godsell.

The interim ASBO will act as a preventative measure until legal proceedings against him are concluded.

East Lothian Council’s housing department and anti-social behaviour team worked closely with police to compile the dossier of evidence used during the court proceedings.

Councillor Stuart Currie, cabinet member for housing and community services, said: “This man has caused considerable distress to neighbours, council staff and other members of the local community through his anti-social behaviour.

“It was clear that despite repeated warnings Mr Godsell was unwilling to modify his behaviour and so we have taken this step to demonstrate our determination to tackle this blight.”

Kenneth Black, the council’s anti-social behaviour co-ordinator, added: “East Lothian Council will apply for anti-social behaviour orders in cases in which individuals have failed to take heed of warnings issued and in respect of which it deems it necessary to protect the public from the harmful and damaging effects of such behaviour.”

It will be decided whether to pursue a full ASBO or whether a complete hearing of evidence will be required at Haddington Sheriff Court on May 26.

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