London: Tougher, Asbo-style controls that restrict the movement of violent criminals deemed at risk of re-offending after release from prison came into force Wednesday.
The Home Office said the introduction of Violent Offender Orders (VOO) were aimed at "disrupting patterns of offending behaviour," part of a strategy to combat violent crime.
Under the new rules courts in England and Wales can ban dangerous criminals from visiting certain locations and contacting certain individuals. The bans can last between two and five years.
Like sex offenders they must tell police if they move home, change their name or go abroad, the Home Office said.
Police can apply to a magistrates' court to grant a VOO. Breaking the terms of the order is a criminal offence punishable by five years in prison.
Head of crime for the Association of Chief Police Officers, Keith Bristow, said he expected the orders would be used in only a small number of cases.
For a control order to be made, offenders must have served at least 12 months in prison for serious violent offences, including manslaughter, attempted murder, grevious bodily harm or malicious wounding.
Announcing the new rules Policing Minister David Hanson said violent crime had fallen 41 per cent since 1997, but more tools and initiatives, like the VOOs, were needed.
"Violent crime can have a devastating effect on victims and on communities," he said.
Ministers also awarded an extra £3.2 million to help victims of rape and sexual assault to be shared among different support centres.
