LAWS to prevent the courts protecting the identities of youths who breach anti-social behaviour orders (Asbo) could be in place within months, the Government has revealed.

Tony Blair has made it a priority to push the Serious Organised Crime and Police Bill through Parliament before April.

The Bill would remove the automatic anonymity given to offenders who appear in youth court for breaches of Asbos.

It has been welcomed by politicians, councillors and campaigners after criticism of last week's decision at Darlington Youth Court to protect the identity of a 14-year-old, locked up for breaching one of Britain's toughest Asbos.

The town's MP, Alan Milburn, said last night: "Thank goodness this anomaly in the law which protects the identity of persistent offenders is being addressed.

"The Government recognises that the public have a right to know who is making their lives a misery and what action is being taken."

The Bill has had its first and second readings in the Commons, and is at the committee stage.

Parliamentary liaison manager Dave Burchell said: "If it all goes to plan as they are hoping then it could become law before the end of April."

Lord Brian MacKenzie, a former president of the police Superintendents' Association, said: "If we name a person when he is given an Asbo, then it seems common sense to name with gusto that person when the order is breached.

"In the spirit of future legislation I see no reason why magistrates aren't now using their discretion and naming youths in breach of Asbos."

Darlington Borough Council leader Councillor John Williams said: "Naming and shaming offenders will make them accountable for their actions. These people terrorise communities with their anti-social behaviour so it's only right that the communities know who they are and what action is being taken by the authorities to bring them to account."

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