Children’s rights watchdog to monitor ASBOs

CHILDREN’S rights organisations yesterday formed an unofficial watchdog to monitor the controversial introduction of anti-social behaviour (ASBO) laws for young people.

The extension of the anti-social behaviour orders, hailed by crime victims, has also sparked fears that children as young as 12 could be criminalised.

One national youth leader went as far as warning that a child could be imprisoned for sitting on a wall if a garda officer deemed it threatening.