18/05/2007

Judge calls for publican ASBOs

Anti-social behaviour orders (ASBOs) should be served on publicans who allow young people to get drunk, according to a judge.

Lord Justice Girvan made the announcement during a High Court bail hearing of an 18-year-old male who is accused of attempted murder.

Jonathan Armstrong from Coily Hill, Killyleagh was released on bail following an alleged attack on a 17-year-old boy in east Belfast’s Sydenham area earlier this month.

Judge Girvan said he must help police to identify where he had been drinking.

“I expect to hear within four weeks what steps have been taken in regard to obvious breaches of the licensing laws that allow young people to get into this state of drunkenness,” he said.

“The licensing laws are not being properly enforced and thought should be given to ASBOs on licence holders who breach the law.”

The alleged victim had been on a life support machine for five days and is still in a serious condition.

(JM/KMcA)

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