The UK Government had published a consultation document in April which included plans for Asbos, which had already been introduced in England and Wales. Sinn Fein wrote to then NI secretary Paul Murphy over proposed anti-social behaviour laws in 2004 (PA)A Sinn Fein briefing document attached to the letter set out the concerns. It said the experience of Asbos in England and Wales showed they “have been used mainly against young people”. “Given the sectarian make-up of the PSNI and given the past and current abuse of power by a significant number of district councils, Sinn Fein has no confidence that Asbos will be implemented in a fair and impartial manner. “It has been demonstrated that restorative justice approaches are much more likely to be successful in tackling low level anti-social behaviour.

Source: The Herald December 30, 2025 00:18 UTC