Briton Ferry Woman Lands ASBO For 39 Disturbances

A Briton Ferry woman’s two-year reign of terror is over after she was hit with an Asbo. Beverley Nicholas has been warned she faces jail if she carries on with her threatening and abusive behaviour.

In court, council solicitors cited 39 disturbances Nicholas had been involved in at locations including Briton Ferry Health Centre, Neath Port Talbot Hospital, Neath Civic Centre and Neath JobCentre.

Chief Inspector Phil Jacob, of Neath and Port Talbot police, said: “Staff have been subjected to harassment, alarm and distress in a number of premises and we hope this Asbo will reassure the community we have taken action against this individual. The police and partner agencies are working together to deal with all aspects of anti-social behaviour.

“The sort of behaviour exhibited by Beverley Nicholas will not be tolerated and we will take whatever action is necessary.

“In this case it would help us enforce the Asbo if any breaches of the conditions are reported to the police.”

The order against 35-year-old Nicholas, of Parc Newydd, runs until April 27, 2009, and prevents her from using abusive, insulting, offensive, threatening or intimidating language or behaviour to any person within Neath and Port Talbot. It was granted by magistrates after an application brought by Neath Port Talbot Council on the advice of the multi-agency anti-social behaviour group, which aims to curb crime and disorder.

Magistrates were told Nicholas was responsible for disturbances in Briton Ferry Health Centre, Neath Civic Centre, Neath Port Talbot Hospital, Briton Ferry Dental Practice, Neath Jobcentre, Communities First offices and Briton Ferry Workingmen’s Club.

The incidents happened between October 2005 and March this year, involving threatening and abusive behaviour to members of the public, council staff and police officers. Mr Jacob added: “It is hoped the order will curb her behaviour and protect the public.”

Council head of housing services Robert Rees said: “This Asbo illustrates the commitment by all the partner agencies to combating this sort of behaviour.

“Asbos are a useful tool which aim to protect members of the public from the sort of behaviour which led to the application against Beverley Nicholas.

“They are also a deterrent to those engaging in anti-social behaviour, and can improve the quality of life for a community.”

Breaching an Asbo can lead to a prison sentence not exceeding five years, a fine, or both.