BOTH the Labour and Tory parties have placed anti-social behaviour at the top of the agenda for the forthcoming General Election.

It is the issue on the doorsteps of Britain and politicians are desperate to demonstrate that they are listening to voters.

The cry from both parties is that justice must be done - and be seen to be done.

Changes in the law have allowed local authorities and police forces to impose anti-social behaviour orders to curb the activities of persistent offenders who plague our communities.

That law allows newspapers to name and publish photographs of those offenders at the time the orders are put in place.

It also allows local councils to distribute leaflets to residents, identifying the offenders and explaining what action has been taken.

So far, so good. But when the young criminals breach those orders, their anonymity is suddenly given automatic protection, forcing newspapers to make legal challenges if they are to name juveniles who bring misery to communities.

The Northern Echo made such a challenge yesterday but it was rejected despite:

* The 14-year-old in question being placed in detention for breaching one of Britain's toughest anti-social behaviour orders three times.

* Being named and shamed in council leaflets posted to residents.

* Being previously named and photographed in The Northern Echo.

In other words, local people are allowed to know who he is when his behaviour becomes so bad that an Asbo is required. But when it gets even worse, his identity is suddenly a matter of secrecy.

It is inconsistent. It is confused. It is utterly barmy.

We applaud the moves made by the Government to tackle anti-social behaviour. But there is a clear legal flaw which has to be addressed if the public is truly to see justice being done.