Bradford magistrates' Asbo ruling praised by police (From Bradford Telegraph and Argus)

Bradford magistrates' Asbo ruling praised by police

9:00am Monday 8th October 2012 in News

An Asbo slapped on a suspected crime boss and his quad-bike-riding gang member by Bradford magistrates has been hailed as a victory in the fight against people who make life a misery for locals.

Inspector Andrew Gallant heads the neighbourhood police team which covers Barkerend and said he was delighted with the tough restrictions imposed on suspected drug dealer Liaquat Ali and his right-hand man Haris Ali Saleem, who were accused of terrorising residents and visitors to that estate.

“This is a great result against people who think they are above the law,” Insp Gallant said.

The thugs are banned from Barkerend except to visit their homes in Thryberg Street or Cockcroft Grove, or to pass through the estate on their way to educational or religious activities. For Ali, 29, already serving a suspended sentence for ABH, any breach of the conditions would mean an immediate trip to prison.

Magistrates heard how the pair were so intimidating Council officers and police community support officers had been withdrawn from the area and visiting tradesmen were escorted in and out by security guards with dogs. Insp Gallant said intelligence had shown menaces like Ali and Saleem bullied weaker underlings into dealing drugs on their behalf to keep themselves at arm’s length from the crime itself.