Asbo slapped on abusive neighbour

A nightmare neighbour who hurled abuse at fellow residents and threatened community wardens has been handed an anti-social behaviour order.

Conrad Da Silva, who lives in a council flat in Whiteheath, Rowley Regis, Sandwell, has been given a year-long court order to curb his behaviour. Sandwell Council and Sandwell Homes secured the injunction against the 59-year-old at Dudley County Court.

On November 18, Da Silva, who lives in Lancaster House, Oldbury Road, shouted vile abuse at local residents, the court heard. On the same day, he made unprovoked threats to community wardens from Sandwell Council as they patrolled the area and spoke to members of the public at a bus stop.

Councillor Simon Hackett, of Sandwell Council, said today: "This kind of behaviour will not be tolerated and it is my intention to see this sort of behaviour stamped out in Sandwell."

At the court hearing, Da Silva was given a 12-month injunction banning him from using foul, abusive and threatening language and behaviour towards anyone in the neighbourhood.

If he breaches the injunction, he will be arrested by police officers and will return to court.

A breach can result in two years in prison or a hefty fine.

Councillor Hackett added: "This is another good result for the council's anti-social behaviour team working together with Sandwell Homes. We will not hesitate to take firm action against the very small minority of people who cause nuisance to the law-abiding majority.

"Hopefully this order will make Mr Da Silva think twice before committing any further anti-social behaviour because there are serious consequences for breaching an injunction."

Last week, 20-year-old Debbie Hanson was locked up for eight weeks for terrorising her elderly neighbour. Jobless Hanson was sent to a young offenders' institution for a 10-month campaign of torment against the 85-year-old widow in Tipton. The pensioner lost two stones in weight due to the stress and only slept for an hour a night.