ASBOs AND CARS DON'T MIX

There has been a lot of criticism in the press for the incorrect use of ASBOs. A much quoted case is that of Bath-ite Kim Sutton, who has a penchant for bridges, rivers, multi-storey car parks.

When L and I were finishing our training run last night we heard what sounded like a fight. "C'mon bring it on theeeeeeen" a voice screamed from up the road. We turned into Russell Street and saw a woman, wasted, and veeering in and out of the road.

Soon she was trying to cross the street, and I saw at least one car narrowly avoid hitting her by a whisker. She then "hid" behind a large van and then seemed to be taunting traffic by stepping out and back in again suddenly.

I turned round to go home (Sainsbury's were delivering my lucozade supplies for the week) and L (who had stayed behind) said "She's been hit".

Bluksem.

By throwing herself at a car she not only affected the driver, but also affected his partner, the people in the car behind that stopped to help, the man across the street that helped, the four police officers on the scene, the two paramedics (who arrived within minutes) and the doctors and nurses who came into her path at the hospital. Perhaps an ASBO is justified? (For her safety and for that of the community.)

By the way - I've been hit by a car. It hurts.