East Lothian Courier | News

Thursday, 20th November, 2008

Published: Thursday, 31st July, 2008 08:00

Hit with ASBO

AN ELPHINSTONE woman who abused and threatened her neighbours for more than two years has been slapped with an anti-social behaviour order (ASBO).

Lisa McNeill, 27, of Cinderhall Place, was placed under the ASBO at Haddington Sheriff Court on July 16, after it was proven that she had regularly distressed her neighbours by shouting, swearing and using abusive and threatening behaviour – and allowing visitors to her home to do the same – since January 2006.

East Lothian Council’s anti-social behaviour team worked with Lothian and Borders Police to compile a dossier of evidence against McNeill, who will be subject to the ASBO for the next 18 months.

Cabinet member for housing and community services, Councillor Stuart Currie, said: “This individual has a long history of such anti-social behaviour, which has now been proven in a court of law.

“We hope that the ASBO will give respite to other residents in the area, who have been forced to live alongside this behaviour, and highlight our commitment to stamping it out.”

Breaching the terms of either an Interim or full ASBO constitutes a criminal offence.

If there is any repeat of McNeill’s previous anti-social behaviour, the punishment can range from six months to five years imprisonment, a fine – which can be up to £10,000 or unlimited – or both, depending on the severity of the breach.

Anti-social behaviour co-ordinator, Kenneth Black said: “Members of the public in East Lothian can be assured that the council will exercise all of the powers made available to it under the legislation to deal with the type of corrosive and unacceptable behaviour that has been evidenced in this case.

“I would urge anyone who is affected by antisocial behaviour to report it to our dedicated help line or email address.”

Anyone wishing to report anti-social behaviour can phone 0845 6018518 or email asb@eastlothian.gov.uk.

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