Builder Stephan has ban reduced

‘Knicker thief? Andy Stephan’s ban from visiting the Isles of Scilly for seven years has been reduced to just two by the Court of Appeal.

Two judges ruled on November 25 that the ASBO imposed on Stephan, 42, during his sentencing at Truro Crown Court was ?too long,? according to a BBC report.

Stephan, who now lives in Penzance, will be able to return to the Islands in August 2007, two years after he was sentenced.

Mrs Justice Dobbs, giving the Appeal Court’s ruling, said: ‘In our view, the making of an order was right in principle’there is clear evidence that the appellant acted in an anti-social way, this course of conduct had, without doubt, caused alarm and distress to those women in that small community.?

But she added that Anti-Social Behaviour Orders of this kind ?have to be proportionate,? and said the reduction took into account ?the fact that this appellant has been off the Island for a period approaching two years.?

Eleven Island women gave evidence against Stephan in July 2005. In addition to the ASBO, he was sentenced to 150 hours community service for ten counts of theft and ordered to pay ?1,000 in costs.