Teenage Ringleader of Shirley Anti-Social Behaviour Campaign Sentenced

The ringleader of a group of teenagers responsible for a wave of anti-social and aggressive behaviour in Shirley last summer has been sentenced.

Southampton Youth Court heard how the 15-year-old girl, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was at the centre of a sustained campaign of harassment, assaults, shoplifting and criminal damage targeting local residents and businesses.

Over the summer months, neighbourhood policing teams responded to repeated reports of disorder along Shirley High Street. Officers implemented dispersal orders, stepped up patrols and attempted to address the behaviour through diversionary schemes and intervention programmes.

However, the court was told that even after being arrested and released on bail, the teenager returned to the area and continued her behaviour, requiring further police attendance.

The girl pleaded guilty to four counts of criminal damage, three counts of harassment, four counts of racially or religiously aggravated harassment, two counts of assault and two counts of shoplifting.

As part of her sentence, she was handed a 12-month referral order and made subject to four restraining orders protecting the individuals she harassed. The court also ordered her mother to pay £1,265 in compensation.

Chief Inspector Chris Douglas, deputy district commander for Southampton, said the girl’s actions had a serious impact on the community.

“This girl’s behaviour had a deep and widespread impact on the community last summer, making life for local residents, business owners and their staff a misery, with no thought for the consequences of her actions. As part of her sentencing, the court have rightfully put an emphasis on parental responsibility in situations such as this.

“Our neighbourhood team worked hard find the most appropriate way to swiftly address her behaviour, while also trying to find the right balance of this action against her still being a child.

“In particular, the local bobby for Shirley spent many hours patrolling the high street, speaking with the girl and groups of other children she was with, visiting business to provide them with support and updates, and trying to engage parents of kids involved to tackle the behaviour.

“We saw an increase last summer in instances of anti-social behaviour in Shirley, and already we have looked at what we can improve and do better this year, including ensuring we work closely with local partner agencies to have teams specifically dedicated to being out in the area for early intervention.”