Tim Horrox, managing director of Diabolical Liberties, was handed the Asbo at Highbury Corner Magistrates Court on March 23. It bans him from arranging flyposting anywhere in the London Borough of Camden for the next two years, or else he faces a jail sentence.
Horrox, who is the owner of a number of media and marketing companies, has described the case as a "bizarre experience" claiming the council refused to accept a previous undertaking to cease flyposting and has argued that a full consultation should take place.
He also argues that Diabolical Liberties acts for many arts and cultural industry clients, co-ordinating flyposting work on behalf of the London Borough Camden Arts and Leisure Department, which has promoted music festivals in the borough.
In a statement to the press, Horrox said: "During the course of the Camden Asbo case, my company has been approached by several councils elsewhere in the UK to discuss setting up such local schemes and good progress has been made."
The historic ruling follows Camden Council's decision to tackle flyposting using the new Asbo legislation, which the council says has reduced the illegal practice in the area by 95%.
At an earlier hearing in September 2004, a district judge made a landmark ruling granting three interim Asbos against Horrox and three members of his staff -- James Heighway, Anna McAree and Dominic Murphy. All three gave an undertaking in court to cease flyposting in the area.
Heighway and Murphy were previously employed by Diabolical Liberties and are now employed by Brotherhood Media. McAree is still employed by Diabolical Liberties.
Horrox added: "Attitudes towards 'flyposting' have changed over the years. As a professional advertising man, I have always been aware of the limitations of the medium and the balance that needs to be struck between the need for low-cost advertising, in particular for local venues and emerging artists, and the need to maintain tidy public spaces."
The action follows the success of a similar action against Sony Music Entertainment UK, which saw the group agree to stop flyposting in England and Wales before the matter could be determined in court.
Horrox said he will be taking legal advice on an appeal "regarding the way that this case was brought by Camden officials", however he will continue to abide by the terms of his public undertakings.
Councillor John Thane, executive member for environment at Camden Council, said: "We are confident that, in conjunction with the Crown Prosecution Service and other local authorities, the influence and use of Asbos will become much more widespread in encouraging companies and individuals to act in a socially responsible way."
Louise Casey, national director of the Home Office Anti-Social Behaviour Unit, said: "I am delighted that Camden Council remains at the forefront of tackling anti-social behaviour, which can blight lives and ruin communities.
"Making creative use of the powers the government has introduced to tackle anti-social behaviour is benefiting the lives of those who work and live in Camden."
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