TWO teenagers are the first in Oxfordshire to have their antisocial behaviour orders (Asbo) removed because of their good behaviour.

Callum Gerken and his brother Jake were aged 16 and 14 respectively when Oxford Magistrates’ Court banned them from Risinghurst, Oxford, in August 2008 after they were named ringleaders of a gang of yobs causing a headache for residents.

The Asbos, which also banned the duo from using threatening behaviour or abusing members of the public anywhere in the UK, was due to last for two years.

However, magistrates lifted the Asbo on Friday – seven months early – after deciding it was no longer needed.

It is the first Asbo in Oxfordshire to be discharged due to good behaviour.

No-one from the Gerken household, of Stanton Road, Forest Hill, was available to comment on the decision.

But Naeem Choudary, Oxford City Council’s neighbourhood investigation officer, said: “The action was extremely effective and we are pleased with the fact they have not reoffended.

“They complied with the terms of their Asbo and brought us to the conclusion it was no longer needed.

“It was only fair and proper and as they are youths we do not want them marred for life.

“The Asbo was entirely the right course of action as there was a substantial amount of evidence of antisocial behaviour presented to the court.”

Victoria Fennell, city council lawyer, told the court the local authority carried out two reviews of the Asbo for both boys, which revealed no breaches or antisocial behaviour committed.

The main victim of the brothers’ behaviour no longer lived in the Risinghurst area, Miss Fennell added.

Dee Sinclair, a councillor for Quarry and Risinghurst, said trouble had decreased on the estate since the Asbo was imposed.

She added: “These boys were identified as the ringleaders at the time and with them out of the estate things improved. I believe the Asbos have worked for Risinghurst.

“If these two boys have turned their lives around then I think the Asbo has worked for them, too.”

Sgt Jim Holmes, of Thames Valley Police, said: “In the entire time the Asbo has been in place, it has never been breached and no further offences have been committed in the area.

“Removing the Asbo recognises this, and gives them the opportunity to move on with their lives.”

No-one was from the family was in court and the Asbo was discharged unopposed.

The Asbo hearing in August 2008 heard the pair led a gang of more than up to 20 youths drinking, hurling stones, teasing residents and staying out late in Risinghurst.

There are currently eight Asbos in place across the city.