Gateshead Council has secured the first successful Respect Order in the North East, a new legal measure that prohibits a council tenant from entering Gateshead Civic Centre without an appointment and imposes other strict conditions. The order was granted at Gateshead County Court on Thursday, October 29, against Kevin Hetherington, following an incident on October 20 in which he was abusive and threatened to harm a member of staff during an interview.
Urgent action and new legal powers
Given the seriousness of the incident, the council took urgent action and immediately applied to the court for the order, supported by evidence from colleagues. Respect Orders are a new legal measure introduced under the Crime and Policing Act 2026, which came into force on 26 October. They give councils, police and other authorised organisations stronger powers to tackle persistent anti-social behaviour.
Orders can prohibit individuals from carrying out specified activities or entering certain places, with breaching an order becoming a criminal offence punishable by up to two years in prison, a fine, or both.
Conditions and enforcement
The Respect Order will remain in place for one year, until 29 October 2027, and places a number of strict conditions on Mr Hetherington, including that he must not threaten violence towards any Gateshead Council employee, agent or contractor. He must also not engage in, or threaten, behaviour likely to cause harassment, alarm or distress to council employees, including shouting, swearing, verbal abuse or making threats, damage, or attempt to damage, council property or enter Gateshead Civic Centre or any other Council office without a prior appointment.
A power of arrest is attached to the order, meaning police can arrest Mr Hetherington if he is suspected of breaching its conditions. He will remain in his council home, but must comply with the restrictions imposed by the court. The order was formally served on Mr Hetherington in person on Friday, October 30, with Northumbria Police in attendance.
Council response and public vigilance
Councillor Gavin Brierley, Cabinet Member for Housing at Gateshead Council, said: “Everyone has the right to feel safe and respected at work, and our employees should never have to face threats, intimidation or abuse simply for doing their jobs.”
“Securing the North East’s first successful Respect Order is a significant milestone and demonstrates that we are prepared to use every legal power available to protect our staff and take action against unacceptable behaviour. These new powers give us another important tool to tackle anti-social behaviour and make it clear that threatening or abusive conduct will have consequences. We will continue to work with our partners to protect our communities and ensure our staff can carry out their roles without fear of intimidation.”
Residents are encouraged to be vigilant and report any suspected breaches of the Respect Order immediately by sending Northumbria Police a direct message on social media or using the live chat and report forms on the Force's website.
