Neighbourhood menace banned from streets after terrorising residents

Kristina Rush, 30, of Gladstone Terrace has been banned from streets in Washington after causing havoc for residents and businesses.

The action was brought by the Sulgrave & Concord Neighbourhood Management Team on behalf of local residents and shopkeepers.

It resulted in an Injunction Order being granted by Sunderland County Court.

Councillor Harry Trueman, chairman of the Safer Sunderland Partnership and Deputy Leader of Sunderland City Council, said: “The new Anti-Social Behaviour Act was brought in to give agencies more powers to protect and support vulnerable victims and challenge perpetrators of antisocial behaviour.

“Sunderland has taken a proactive approach to using these powers with the successful application of its first injunction.

“We will continue to work with our community safety partners to put victims at the focus of everything we do.”

After Ms Rush failed to appear at a hearing on Tuesday 28 July, a 12 month injunction was granted by District Judge Malik.

It means that Ms Rush is prohibited from engaging in conduct causing or likely to cause harassment, alarm or distress or inciting others to do so, entering or being within a specified area of Sulgrave bounded by Marlborough Road, Usworth Station Road and Foxley; and entering or being within a 25 metre radius of three local Sulgrave businesses.

The businesses are: Supersave News and Wines in Ellen Terrace, Bhangu’s Store in Johnson Terrace and Premier Stores in Waterloo Road.

A power of arrest has been attached to the above prohibitions and costs of £280 ordered to be paid by Ms. Rush.

Northumbria Police Southern Area Command Chief Inspector Sarah Pitt said: “Anti-social behaviour can have a detrimental effect on the quality of life for local communities, in particular those who may be more vulnerable or elderly.

“This sort of behaviour can cause people to feel intimidated and fearful and it is simply not acceptable. I hope this serves as a warning to others that it will not be tolerated and, together with our partners, we will take action.”

The Sulgrave & Concord Management Team is a multi-agency project based in Waterloo Walk, Sulgrave. The team comprises council staff, police, Probation, Drug & Alcohol treatment services and support for carers. The team is located together so it can help address issues affecting the community, including reducing crime and anti-social behaviour.

The team can be contacted on 0191 682 1307.