**Teenager Banned from Blackwood Town Centre Over “Reckless Behaviour”**
An 18-year-old woman has been ordered by the courts to stay away from parts of Blackwood town centre following a string of incidents described by police as “reckless and disorderly”. Tilly Giles was handed a two-year criminal behaviour order (CBO) at Newport Magistrates Court, an action law enforcement officers say is reserved for only the most persistent cases of anti-social activity.
Giles, hailing from the area near Caerphilly, came to the attention of authorities after several reported offences earlier this year. Court documents indicate that the teenager, who was 17 at the time, faced allegations including assaulting an emergency worker. Other accusations ranged from failing to comply with a community protection notice and causing criminal damage, to using threatening language and engaging in behaviour described as likely to cause harassment, alarm, or distress.
The criminal behaviour order, which will remain active until April 2027, places several strict conditions on Giles’ movements and associations within Blackwood. Specifically, the order bars her from entering the retail park and prohibits her presence at the town’s bus station between the hours of 7pm and 7am. Additionally, there are restrictions on whom she can associate with and how she must conduct herself in public, with specific reference to not behaving in a manner likely to cause distress to residents outside her immediate household.
Newport Magistrates Court, where the case was heard on 29 April, was informed that the CBO represented a “rare step” for someone so young. Speaking after sentencing, Inspector Chris Hopkin of Gwent Police explained the difficulty in reaching this decision. “These orders aren’t issued lightly,” he said, emphasising that such measures are only considered after significant efforts to engage support services and divert the individual from further offending behaviour.
Inspector Hopkin continued, “Unfortunately, our attempts to work with this young woman to turn her reckless and disorderly behaviour around haven’t had the desired effect, leading us to taking the rare step to issue a CBO to someone so young.” He added that while Tilly Giles is still only eighteen, he hopes the court’s action will prompt her to reflect on the effect her behaviour has had on the local community.
Authorities have characterised the CBO as part of a broader initiative to stem rising incidents of anti-social behaviour in Blackwood. According to police, a surge in such reports earlier in 2024 prompted a coordinated response involving several agencies. Measures included dispersal orders, an increased police presence, and a number of arrests, which together have contributed to a subsequent reduction in reported offences.
Inspector Hopkin stressed that police and community services remain vigilant, saying, “Officers remain committed to tackling anti-social behaviour, and, while reports have decreased recently, we will continue to carry out additional patrols in the town.” He noted that, alongside the CBO, the court imposed a community order requiring Giles to complete rehabilitation activity requirements (RARs) and to carry out 100 hours of unpaid work.
The terms of the criminal behaviour order are clear: any breach may result in Giles being arrested and, if convicted, facing prison, a fine, or both. It is hoped that the seriousness of these consequences will impress upon her the need to change course.
This case stands out, not just for the age of the defendant, but also as an illustration of the legal and community resources brought to bear when anti-social behaviour persists. While the authorities acknowledge the difficulties faced by young adults, there remains an expectation that all members of the community treat public spaces and fellow residents with respect. The hope, as expressed by police, is that tough action taken now may pave the way for more positive engagement in the future.