A COURT hearing to impose anti-social behaviour orders on three youths ended in fiasco yesterday.

The three - who sparked fear across Newport estates - had interim anti-social behaviour orders (ASBOs) imposed by magistrates last October.

And yesterday the trio were back before the court, to have the orders made in full.

But the proceedings were brought to an abrupt halt - after it emerged that one of the teenagers refused to speak to his solicitor.

The 17-year-old, from Newport, was due to appear alongside his accomplices aged 17, and 16, also from Newport. But his solicitor, Gareth Driscoll, told the court his client had failed to instruct him and he was forced to withdraw from representing him.

Magistrates agreed that as no appropriate adult was present to represent the first 17-year-old, the hearing could not continue, and the entire proceedings had to be adjourned until January 21.

The trio's order was extended and they are banned from seeing one another and are not to enter the Broadmead Park area. The court previously heard they had:

Persistently abused residents; Thrown stones; Started fires on the estate.

Some people were too afraid to leave their homes because of the gang's behaviour.

On Saturday, we revealed how young offenders are flouting ASBOs and police say the orders are not working.

Magistrates are also concerned about the lack of effect the orders have, with one revealing: "There is nothing we can do to stop these youths offending."