Call for antisocial offenders to be put ‘in distinctive overalls’

A BYLAW could be introduced in Co Cork where those convicted of antisocial behaviour are forced to wear special overalls “designating their crime” and carry out community service to atone for it.

The high-powered Joint Policing Committee (JPC) for the county is to discuss a proposal to introduce a bylaw with community service penalties aimed at reducing antisocial behaviour. A motion has been put forward by Cllr Deirdre Forde (FG) at county council level to introduce such legislation and it has found widespread support from her colleagues on the local authority.

Ms Forde’s motion was originally sent to the county solicitor, who proposed a number of possibilities. The Douglas-based public representative said she wanted similar bylaws adopted to the ones introduced in parts of the county in 2004 against drinking in public places. Ms Forde said she was concerned about the increasing incidences of antisocial behaviour in her own neighbourhood and throughout the county.

“I am receiving a lot of complaints about antisocial behaviour... Those caught doing this should be forced under the bylaw to do community service,” she said.

The councillor said vandalism, dogs barking late at night and raucous house parties were becoming an increasing problem which needed to be addressed.

“There are senior citizens living in fear in many different parts of the county,” Ms Forde said. She wanted offenders “put in distinctive overalls” which would denote when undertaking community service that they were guilty of one form or other of antisocial behaviour. Cllr John Gilroy (Lab) said the motion was worth pursuing and pointed out it should be referred to the county JPC. Cllr Pa O’Driscoll (FG) agreed that was the correct forum as gardaí could give their input into what might be required. “It’s an issue which isn’t being dealt with.” His party colleague Cllr Gerard Murphy said it was a problem that would get worse if not tackled. However, he warned cutbacks in the ranks of gardaí could hinder its full implementation.

Cllr Gerry Kelly (FG) took a swipe at junior minister Billy Kelleher who introduced ASBOs (Anti-Social Behaviour Orders) after seeing them in operation in Coventry. “Now that city is saying they don’t work. If money was ring-fenced for youth facilities it would have helped far more,” he said.