Rushden teenager issued order to protect children from exploitation
It's thought Ethan Hadley was recruiting younger boys to commit crime
An 18-year-old man from Rushden has been issued with an interim civil order designed to protect children from exploitation and prevent criminal influences.
The Slavery and Trafficking Risk Order was granted following intelligence indicating Ethan Hadley was recruiting younger boys to commit crime.
This interim order, secured by Northamptonshire Police’s Anti-Social Behaviour Team, will remain in force until 14th January next year.
On that date, everyone involved will appear at Northampton Magistrates’ Court for a full hearing on the matter.
Under the order's conditions, Hadley must avoid direct or indirect contact with any child under 18 without prior written consent from Children’s Services.
Furthermore, he is prohibited from associating with specific named individuals and entering a designated zone in Wymington.
Hadley is also barred from travelling with any child in a private vehicle unless their parent or guardian is present.
Additional restrictions include the possession or use of multiple mobile phones, SIM cards, or encrypted communication accounts.
Breaching these conditions could lead to a criminal conviction and a possible prison term of up to five years.
PC Lydia Chamberlain, of Northamptonshire Police’s Anti-Social Behaviour and Civil Orders team, highlighted the seriousness with which child exploitation is addressed.
“We take any form of child exploitation very seriously in Northamptonshire and will use our policing powers to tackle this growing issue,” she said.
“This order helps us protect children from being exploited and drawn into crime. It also allows us to act against those who pose a risk to our communities before further harm can be caused to some of our most vulnerable members of society.”
If anyone suspects a child is being exploited, they are urged to report their concerns to police.