Group of convicted Worthing and Lancing teens used ‘fear, intimidation and violence’ towards victims

Over the previous 14 months, seven teenagers, who cannot be named due to legal reasons, have appeared at Worthing Youth Court to face charges which include causing actual bodily harm and assault by beating.

The group consisted of two 13-year-old boys from Goring, two 13-year-old boys from Worthing, a 13-year-old boy from Lancing and a 13 and 14-year-old boy from Durrington.

In total the group were:

– Convicted of 32 offences

– Two of the group were issued with a Criminal Behaviour Order. One of the orders includes a complete ban on social media.

– Issued with 23 restraining orders

– Handed 50.5 months in referral orders

– Given 10 months in supervision orders

– Given a 24 month intensive supervision and surveillance order

– Issued with a six month tagged curfew

– Ordered to pay £1,390 in compensation

– Ordered to pay £60 victim surcharge

– Ordered to pay £155 in costs

– And 22 months of parental orders were also issued

Chief Inspector Sarah Leadbeatter District Commander for Adur and Worthing said: “The behaviour from this group has caused distress and upset in the community, which is simply unacceptable.

“They would target individuals, including their peers, and use fear, intimidation and violence towards their victims.

“The group would often show little regard to the distress they were causing to not only the victims, but the victims’ families and wider community.

“I would like to personally thank the victims in each of the cases.

“They have shown incredible strength and bravery throughout this investigation especially when having to relive the traumatic events, in order for us to bring the offenders to justice.

“Although the victims in this case have physically recovered from their injuries, for some the psychological injuries remain, but I hope the conclusion of this criminal investigation goes some way to start that healing process.

“Tackling serious youth related violence across our district continues to remain my priority and we remain engaged with our communities in order to address local concerns and build on community intelligence.

“The final court case which occurred on Thursday (20 August) marks the final court case for the individuals involved and I would like to praise our partners for the multi-agency working we have all been undertaking to ensure this behaviour is being addressed.

“I would like to express my sincere thanks to all my officers who have worked tirelessly over the last 10 months to gather all of the relevant information for each of the individual cases.

“Many of our officers live and work in these communities and they too felt the distress this group was causing.

“We continue to need the support of our local community and there are many ways you can report matters of concern.

“Through contacting us either online or by calling 101, the independent charity Crimestoppers or Fearless. If you or you see someone in danger please dial 999.”