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A man has been the first in the city to be issued with an Anti-Social Behaviour Order (ASBO) for domestic violence-related behaviour.

The man is now prohibited from acting in an anti-social matter, of which is likely to cause harassment, alarm or distress to one or more people not of the same household within the City of Nottingham.

The ASBO, issued on 13 May 2008, will run for two years and if it is breached, he can be arrested and could face up to five years in prison.

Nottingham City Council’s Community Protection Directorate is funding the role of an ASB officer within the Domestic Abuse Support Unit.

Inspector Andy Rooke, Deputy Director of the Community Protection Directorate, said: “Our Anti-Social Behaviour Officers play a significant part in collating evidence to apply for civil orders to deal with those ruining other people’s quality of life. It is vital that wherever possible this intelligence then inputs into everyday policing.

“This multi-agency way of working brings together a wealth of knowledge and experience. Community Protection will continue to look for innovative ways of using civil orders to deal with criminal behaviour linked to domestic violence.”

In the City Division, police receive 600 domestic violence referrals every month, with 40 classed as high-risk cases.

Detective Chief Inspector Paul Murphy, who oversees the Public Protection Unit, said: “We are determined to ensure the safety of victims, children and the wider public using whatever legitimate means possible. Use of civil remedies adds to our arsenal of options against determined violent perpetrators. Police and many partner agencies work closely together to tackle domestic violence. We will collectively support those who seek help, which I hope will reassure anyone yet to come forward.”

Information from Nottinghamshire Police Press Release 24th June 2008