Yobs' reign of terror ended by traders

Three yobs who plagued a Wednesfield shopping precinct have been banned from the centre for two years after determined traders made a stand against them.

Jack Harriman, Daniel Westwood and a third youth who cannot be named made life a misery for shopkeepers in Ashmore Park, making threats, shouting abuse at pensioners and throwing missiles at buses. Ex-paratrooper Phil Palmer, who runs Musicland, told how traders in Griffiths Drive united to get the teenagers kicked out.

Despite fears of repercussions, they all signed a petition and sent copies to the police, city council and other agencies, identifying the troublemakers and demanding action.

Their courage was rewarded almost immediately by police visiting the culprits' homes and the council bringing a prosecution.

At Wolverhampton Magistrates Court yesterday, Harriman, aged 15, of Reynolds Walk, Ashmore Park, and a 15-year-old from Dudley were given anti-social behaviour orders lasting for two years.

Westwood, 16, of Festival Way, Whitmore Reans, had the same at an earlier hearing.

The order bans them from going near the shops in Griffiths Drive or associating with each other anywhere in Wolverhampton.

Nor can they contact witnesses, throw missiles or abuse, threaten or be offensive in a public place.

Speaking after the case, Mr Palmer, 58, told how the peace of their row of 17 shops was shattered in June when the gang suddenly landed on the scene.

They stole fire extinguishers, swore at passers-by and poked fun at the elderly.

Mr Palmer said: "When these three turned up it was like a bomb had hit us."