Thugs lose poster fight

The High Court today backed the right of local councils to name and shame young thugs. A test case had been brought by three gang members responsible for "an epidemic" of crime in Brent and subjected to anti-social behaviour orders. They said their human rights had been infringed by their names and photographs being printed and distributed to local residents.

But Lord Justice Kennedy and Mr Justice Treacy threw out the bid. They also attacked delays in the court system caused by bringing the case and the cost to the taxpayer - estimated at £250,000. Lord Justice Kennedy spoke of his "dismay" and urged that time limits be imposed on

such proceedings "if only to prevent those who have engaged in antisocial behaviour from engaging in another form of abuse".

The leader of Brent council, Ann John, said the ruling would be welcomed by every local authority in the country. "We feel we have been vindicated in the stance we have taken in issuing Asbos," she said.

"This gang created mayhem. I hope this will give people confidence to report anti-social behaviour in the knowledge they will be protected." The case was brought on behalf of Jovan Stanley, 16, William Marshall, 17, and Martin Kelly, 19, part of a gang who had been named in leaflets distributed in Neasden and Chalkhill last October .

The court was told they were seeking " a moderate sum" in compensation.

Today the judges ruled that the publicity had been entirely fair and no order against the gang was likely to be effective unless it included names and addresses.