Banned: The city hoodies; COURT: Notorious gang is named and shamed.

Byline: By Jasbir Authi

THESE are the vicious thugs who today became the first to be targeted in a landmark offensive against Birmingham's gang culture.

The seven, who held an inner-city neighbourhood in a grip of fear, have been told they face jail if they continue their campaign of harassment and fear.

It is the first time police and council chiefs have taken joint action against an urban street mob in a move they say signals their intent to crack the city's gangs.

The seven were alleged to be members of the Cash Money Crew, linked to organised gang activity in the Newtown area.

The yobs, who intimidated many families during their reign of terror, became the first in the city to be handed group Anti Social Behaviour Orders. The new ruling, backed by a leaflet drop to thousands of city homes, means they can no longer see each other.

The seven, who were banned from wearing hoodies in Birmingham earlier this year, were told a single breach of the ASBO would lose them their liberty.

Gavin James, Elijah Hall, Luke Gustave and Nijah Miller, all 20, and 19-year-olds Lewis Lynch and Joshua Watson were given ASBOs by Birmingham magistrates yesterday.

The seventh gang member, 17-year-old Tyrell Meikle, can be named after the Birmingham Mail asked the court to lift an order preventing his identification.

All seven are banned from:

Entering an exclusion zone in Newtown.

Wearing any mask or garment covering the eyes, nose or mouth within the city.

Intimidating or threatening, directly or indirectly, anyone in Birmingham.

Meeting or gathering individually or as a group with any of the others, anywhere in the city.

James of Melbourne Avenue, Lynch, of Lount Walk, Gustave, of Frankfort Street, Hall, of Guest Grove, all Newtown, Miller, of New Croft, Lozells, Watson, of Seals Green, Kings Norton, and Meikle, of Over-more Close, Lozells, must abide by the order for the next three years.

District Judge Jan Jellema said the gang had caused alarm, harassment and distress to the people of Newtown and the orders were needed to protect the public.

None of the defendants disputed the allegations of verbal and physical intimidation and assaults during the hearing.

Ian McGibbon, head of the Birmingham Anti-Social Behaviour Unit, said:

"It is a very good result for Newtown. This is the first time police and council have tackled an urban street gang in this way and people will be encouraged to report any breaches."

Members of the public have been advised told not to approach them but to ring police if they see any of the seven breaking their ASBO.

CAPTION(S):

LUKE GUSTAVE.' TYRELL MEIKLE.' NIJAH MILLER.' LEWIS LYNCH.' ELIJAH HALL.' JOSHUA WATSON' GAVIN JAMES.