VIDEO: Worthing mum's ASBO

Helen Dawkins, known as Helen Lee, had a shock on Tuesday, November 10, when police turned up at her home in The Quadrant, Maybridge, to serve notice they intend to close her property within the next two weeks.

Click on the panel above to see video of the order being served by officers

At the same time, the mother of two sons aged 16 and 13, was given an interim Anti Social Behaviour Order to protect her neighbours, who police say have been subjected to years of victimisation.

The interim ASBO was granted by Worthing Magistrates after the court heard the Lee family's anti-social behaviour had been "ongoing" and "perpetual".

Threatening behaviour

Rhodri James, representing Sussex Police, said: "She makes the lives of her neighbours and fellow residents an absolute misery."

The court heard Lee, 37, was the "voice of the family" and would defend her two sons and become "threatening and abusive". The 13-year-old has a current ASBO.

Lee did not attend the hearing, but magistrate Ruth Andrew said the interim order would be granted because the need to protect others was "immediate".

After the Herald argued for no reporting restrictions on naming the family, Mrs Andrew added: "We find the matter so serious that the public should be aware."

Neighbours' tears

For the last six weeks, police have met with residents who broke down in tears as they described the ordeals the Lee family have subjected them to.

After Lee was handed a bundle of evidence containing 80 exhibits of photographs and evidence from police and witnesses, she said: "I've done nothing wrong. I don't know what this is about."

The pending closure of the Lees' home will be done using new legislation under the Anti-social Behaviour Act 2003 which gives anonymity to witnesses, who have previously been fearful of repercussions.

PCSO Kevin Brown said: "The Quadrant is a very intimidating place because the Lee family have established themselves in the community as being in charge.

"The community have stood up and said they will not tolerate this behaviour any longer."

Three months

The interim ASBO, which lasts for three months, bans Helen Lee from using or encouraging others others to use threatening, offensive, intimidating foul or abusive language or threatening behaviour.

She is also banned from engaging in conduct causing alarm, distress or harassment or inciting others to do so.

In the next two weeks, magistrates will decide whether to grant the closure order of the Lees' property.

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