ASBO banning defendants in turf war from using bridge overturned on human rights grounds

Two feuding gang members have successfully argued that a ban on them crossing a bridge connecting each others’ turf breached their human rights, the Manchester Evening News has reported.

The dispute between Paul Johnson of Gowerdale Road, Brinnington, and Paul Galimore of Lingard Lane, Bredbury, had led to arson attacks and shots fired in Brinnington, Stockport.

The police had told magistrates that the men were involved in “serious organised crime”, the paper reported.

A district judge then made emergency anti-social behaviour orders to keep them apart, by banning them from using the bridge over the M60.

However, Johnson said the ban prevented him from working, while Galimore argued that it stopped him from seeing his family and doctor.

The men’s ASBOs were subsequently amended to allow Johnson to work in Bredbury – he runs a bouncy castle business – and Galimore to visit his girlfriend, stepchildren and Brinnington Health Centre.

They are still banned from contacting each other, members of each other's family and three other named men.

The Manchester Evening News said counsel for Stockport Council, Sarah O’Brien, had argued against the amendments.

She told the court: “A feud between these defendants has involved arson attacks, guns being discharged and other incidents. The behaviour involved is very serious and the police are very concerned some innocent person could be caught up.”

Johnson and Galimore agreed to comply with the conditions of the amended ASBOs for three months.