'Jail' threat to unruly pupils

Unruly pupils as young as 10 could be locked up in a bid to stem youth crime.

One school is to issue threats of custodial sentences to at least 12 pupils, warning them that, if they continue to misbehave, applications for anti-social behaviour orders will be made.

These orders permit authorities to pass a custodial sentence to children as young as 10 if they do not comply with conditions set out by a county court.

Laisterdyke High School in Bradford has already sent letters to three of the 12 pupils, aged 14 and 15, who are suspected of stealing, outlining how the school and the local council are considering applying for the orders against them.

Geraldine Howley, Bradford's director of housing, said council officials and police would be involved in a decision to issue the orders. Head teacher Joan Law decided that the anti-social behaviour orders would be more effective in controlling their behaviour than expulsion. The children's parents have backed the school's actions. Miss Law said: "These youngsters have now changed their attitudes."

A second school in the area, Oakbank in Keighley, has also used the threat to deter young people from trespassing and causing damage to school property in the evenings.

The move has been welcomed by teaching organisations.