Two antisocial teens rode an electric scooter around the children’s area of a Penrith supermarket’s first floor cafe before one returned and threatened to “knock out” a staff member.
Both boys, aged 15 and 17, were brought to court last year as police sought to curb bad conduct which was having an impact on town businesses and residents.
This was alleged to have involved serious unprovoked violence and the use of weapons including a knuckleduster and BB gun.
After hearing details of several different incidents — one relating to a youngster who suffered a broken jaw and others at McDonald’s and Sainsbury’s — Carlisle Youth Court justices imposed civil antisocial behaviour injunctions (ASBIs).
They did so after hearing the boys were agreeing to abide by tough conditions aimed at keeping them out of trouble and safeguarding the public
But the pair were back at the youth court on Friday. They admitted breaching ASBI conditions which prohibit them from engaging in conduct likely to cause harassment, alarm or distress; and from using insulting language or threatening behaviour.
On 19th January, the 17-year-old brought an e-scooter into Penrith’s Booths supermarket, Brunswick Road.
“He rode it around the children’s area of the store cafe which is located on the first floor,” said Gail Heard, prosecuting for Cumbria police.
The 15-year-old boy then also rode the scooter around the cafe area in an antisocial manner. “It is said that any witnesses present could have been harassed and certainly would have been alarmed or distressed by their behaviour,” said Ms Heard.
This was just a day after the younger boy had appeared in court for a previous ASBI breach.
The 17-year-old then rode around the ground floor of the shop. On being challenged and asked to leave, he departed at speed and skidded. “Staff were more concerned for their customers than themselves,” said Ms Heard.
Later that day, the 15-year-old returned, shouting and swearing at employees. He made a nuisance of himself at Booths again on 20th January. “He threatened to knock out one of the members of staff who challenged him,” said the prosecutor. Four days later he was back once more when he took a packet of crisps from the cafe while causing further trouble. It was the 15-year-old’s second ASBI breach, and the 17-year-old’s fourth.
Lead youth justice Keith Southward was on the panel which imposed the ASBIs last year, and when the 15-year-old returned to court on 18th January.
He said: “I’m not impressed one iota that you will improve. I don’t think you will. I just think it’s fun to you. It’s not fun.” He added: “You’re an absolute pain.”
For the breaches, the boys were both made subject to four-month supervision orders. They will be asked to complete a number of requirements by youth offending service staff in a bid to avoid further trouble.
