10 February 2004
Balaclava Ban for two Brothers Aged 11 and 12
"Two brothers aged 11 and 12 have been banned from wearing balaclavas or other face coverings under an anti-social behaviour order obtained by Manchester City Council.

It is the first time in the city that youngsters of this age have been subject to such a ban, which covers the whole of England and Wales and lasts indefinitely.

Ryner Blakeborough and his older brother James, of Newcliffe Road, Blackley, had been seen in a gang of youths wearing balaclavas to hide their identities outside a house in Crosslee Road in November, according to evidence presented to Manchester magistrates court. The gang was shouting abuse and running in and out of gardens."

Apart from disguising their identities the face coverings were regarded as threatening by residents!