District Council secures injunction against man who terrorised Yorke Drive community

In a joint effort, Newark and Sherwood District Council and Nottinghamshire Police have taken decisive action to support local residents who have suffered due to this unacceptable behaviour.

On Monday 21^st October 2024, the Council secured an 18-month Injunction Order against Rocky Price, banning him from the Yorke Drive estate and Strawberry Hall Lane, in Newark. A power of arrest is attached to this term, enabling the police to arrest him should he enter these areas, and he can be sent to prison for up to 2 years and/or fined.  Further terms of the Order include not to engage in any behaviour that causes or likely to cause nuisance, alarm, or distress to others and to refrain from being abusive or threatening to others.  

The 20-year-old has been involved in multiple incidents over the past year, including violence, alleged drug-related offenses, and public order violations, some of which he has faced sentencing in court.

This injunction follows four Closure Orders issued since September which are all related to this injunction on the Yorke Drive Estate, following complaints about alleged incidents of drug related activities and general anti-social behaviour.

A Closure Order is designed to provide immediate relief for the community from ASB being committed from a property, and it is an offence to enter or remain on premises in contravention of a Closure Notice or Closure Order without reasonable excuse, punishable by a fine or imprisonment or both.

On Friday 18 October 2024, Rocky Price and another individual were already put before Nottingham Magistrates Court for breaching the Closure Order at 181 Yorke Drive, and as a result, both received significant fines.

Councillor Paul Taylor, Portfolio Holder for Public Protection and Community Relations at Newark and Sherwood District Council, said: “We are once again showing we do not tolerate anti-social behaviour like this, and the safety of nearby residents is our top priority. This individual has caused incredible anxiety and fear for nearby residents and this injunction will stop this individual from entering this community.

“This injunction together with the recent Closure Orders show we are doing what we can for residents on Yorke Drive and we will not stand by and allow selfish individuals to flout the law and cause harm or distress to the local community there. This should send a message to offenders that we will not allow this unacceptable behaviour to go unpunished, and we will take action against you.

“We are committed to clamping down on ASB and criminal behaviour and we will continue our successful partnership working with the Police to ensure our reach is wide and our resources are strengthened.

“I also urge anyone who witnesses or experiences ASB to report it to Nottinghamshire Police or the District Council, so that we can take appropriate action."

Councillor Lee Brazier, Portfolio Holder for Housing at Newark and Sherwood District Council, said: “Residents on Yorke Drive and across the district deserve safe and secure living conditions, free from the disturbing actions of these offenders.

“We are dedicated to ensuring such behaviours do not go unpunished. I encourage residents to support us by acting as our eyes and ears and reporting any incidents for our teams to investigate. This injunction and recent Closure Orders demonstrate that we will not tolerate anti-social behaviour and drug-related crime in our district, and we will take action when necessary.”

Inspector Charlotte Ellam, District Commander for Newark and Sherwood, said: “The issuing of this injunction is a huge step forward in tackling the issues of crime and ASB in the area of Yorke Drive.  The individual in question is well known in the area, and we believe has been a key player in causing fear and intimidation amongst law abiding residents. 

“The order carries a power of arrest, and we will be taking positive action in response to any breaches.  I hope that this offers some reassurance to the community that we are taking every opportunity to target those responsible for crime and ASB, and to keep the public safe.”

Newark and Sherwood District Council is committed to tackling criminal and anti-social behaviour and other enforcement action has also taken place on the Yorke Drive estate which includes Closure Warnings and Community Protection Warnings.

Anyone who wishes to report ASB can speak to our ASB team, in confidence, about any issues or concerns you may have. To register an ASB complaint contact the District Council or use the online ASB reporting form.

If a crime is in progress or life is in danger, you should dial 999. To report non-urgent anti-social behaviour contact the police on 101.