'Brothers Grim' who terrorised neighbourhood handed Asbo that only allows them out with their mother

'Brothers Grim' who terrorised neighbourhood handed Asbo that only allows them out with their mother

By Liz Hull

Last updated at 6:45 PM on 02nd April 2010

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It must be one of the most effective ways to punish even the most wayward of teenagers.

Two tearaways nicknamed 'The Brothers Grim' for terrorising their neighbourhood can only leave their home on one condition - their mother goes with them.

Magistrates imposed the restriction on Paul Stafford, 17, and his 15-year- old brother David as part of an Asbo.

The pair had led a gang which brought misery to the Shadsworth area of Blackburn. Their reign of terror included racially abusing shopkeepers and customers, swearing and threatening workers at a community centre, and intimidating other children.

Many youngsters were so frightened that their local park was turned into a 'no go' zone by the Staffords, police said.

But after the teenagers appeared before Blackburn magistrates last Thursday, neighbours hope they can now live in peace.

The boys were told they could face up to five years in jail if they failed to comply with the Asbo, or anti-social behaviour order.

The punishment does, however, also allow them to go out with their father.

One relieved resident said: 'These brothers were an absolute menace to the neighbourhood.

'But hopefully the fact they can only step out together in public with their mum or dad should knock them down a peg or too.

'Those kids were forever abusing people in the street, causing trouble and showing the locals no respect.

'People called them the Brothers Grim and it doesn't take a genius to work out why.

'They were all full of bravado and cockiness. Hopefully, now they have to have their mother with them at all times, some of us can get our own back and call them Mummy's boys.

'I'm sure they will be squirming whenever they have to step out together with their parents.'

Lancashire Police said they applied for the Asbo following a string of complaints from residents about the Staffords. The two-year order also bans the boys from a specified area of Shadsworth.

They must not associate with six other named teenagers and have been put under a curfew running from 7pm to 5am.

In addition, the court named the brothers, who could have retained their anonymity as juveniles.

WPC Louise Briggs, community beat manager, said: 'The people of Shadsworth deserve to feel safe to walk the streets.'