Trinity Chambers’ Fraser Williamson successfully secured a full three-month Closure Order at Newcastle Magistrates’ Court, following cross-examination of the Respondent in proceedings brought by Northumbria Police.
The application concerned a dwelling premises, which had become a magnet for criminal activity, persistent anti-social behaviour, and serious public disorder. Acting for the Police, Fraser advanced the case that the address had operated as a hub for drug use and supply, violent incidents, and intimidation of local residents.
Fraser’s cross-examination highlighted the scale of offending linked to the property, the harm caused to the community and the Respondent’s own involvement.
Supporting evidence included:
- Evidence about prolific offenders frequenting the address, including individuals with over 200 prior arrests.
- Photographic evidence of drug paraphernalia.
- A fatal overdose, multiple armed police deployments, and incidents involving an axe and ammonia attacks.
- Numerous accounts of neighbours feeling terrorised, sleep-deprived, and effectively imprisoned in their own homes.
In closing submissions, Fraser argued that a full Closure Order was not only justified but essential and this was not a case where a community protection notice, or behavioural agreement alternatives would suffice.
The Court agreed, finding that both limbs of the legal test under section 80 of the Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014 were met. A full three-month Closure Order was granted.