Children face jail under anti-social rules

CHILDREN as young as 10 are likely to end up in custody for non-criminal acts if new powers to clamp down on anti-social behaviour are introduced, the Irish Youth Justice Alliance (IYJA) has warned.

The introduction of Anti-Social Behaviour Orders (ASBOs) under the Criminal Justice Bill breaches human rights law and will result in the detention of young people for hanging around public places drinking, using offensive language or behaving in an intimidating manner, said the IYJA.

Justice Minister Michael McDowell has signalled his intention to provide ASBOs later this year by way of an amendment to the Criminal Justice Bill.