Section 18 Crime and Courts Act 2013, Part 4 Policing and Crime Act 2009

Since 1 June 2015, youth courts have had the power to impose Gang-Related Violence and Gang-Related Drug Dealing Injunctions against 14 to 17 year olds.1 These are banning orders aimed at gangs, nick-named ‘gangbos’.

Details

The Home Office has issued Statutory Guidance here. This guidance highlights that girls in gangs may be coerced into participating in gang-related violence, and may be victims of sexual abuse and violence. It stresses that “injunction applications made against gang-involved women and girls must take account of their specific needs and experiences.” It also states that, for girls associated with gangs, “the heightened risk they face owing to their gender must be properly considered”.2

Gang-related injunctions may be disclosed under certain circumstances under an enhanced criminal records check, if the local police force considers it relevant and appropriate for the employer to know.3

Appeals against a decision to impose a gang-related violence injunction can be made to the Crown Court and can be made without notice.4

Her Majesty’s Courts and Tribunals Service has issued guidance here.

The Magistrates’ Association has also issued guidance here.

  1. Magistrates’ Courts (Injunctions: Gang-related Violence) Rules 2015  (back)
  2. Paragraph 4.2, Statutory Guidance: Injunctions to Prevent Gang-Related Violence and Gang-Related Drug Dealing, June 2015  (back)
  3. Paragraph 10.2, Statutory Guidance: Injunctions to Prevent Gang-Related Violence and Gang-Related Drug Dealing, June 2015  (back)
  4. Schedule 12, Crime and Courts Act 2013  (back)
Magistrates’ Courts (Injunctions: Gang-related Violence) Rules 2015Paragraph 4.2, Statutory Guidance: Injunctions to Prevent Gang-Related Violence and Gang-Related Drug Dealing, June 2015Paragraph 10.2, Statutory Guidance: Injunctions to Prevent Gang-Related Violence and Gang-Related Drug Dealing, June 2015Schedule 12, Crime and Courts Act 2013