Gang members served order to protect Wakefield children

Three gang members have been served with an injunction order to prevent them from recruiting, intimidating or harming children in Wakefield.

Adnan Rasool, 32, currently in custody in HMP Armley, Thomas Bickersteth, 19, of Pinderfields Road, Wakefield and Isaac Bickersteth,19, of Pinderfields Road, Wakefield were part of an organised crime group.

They subjected 17 children, aged between 12 and 17, to violence and harassment, forcing them into criminal activity.

The order, which is the first of its kind in West Yorkshire, will prevent the men from entering certain areas of the city and contacting anyone under 18.

Joint action was taken by Wakefield Council and West Yorkshire Police to serve the order, which was handed to the men on 23 July at Bradford County Court.

Councillor Margaret Isherwood, cabinet member for children and young people, said: “These men have subjected children to serious violence and forced them into criminal activity. We will not tolerate this.

“Everyone should feel safe in their local community, especially our children and young people.

“This council and our partners will use every power available to disrupt the exploitation of any child or young person in our district.”

The children who are known to have been affected are being supported by the council and other relevant agencies.

Under the order, Rasool, Thomas Bickersteth and Isaac Bickersteth cannot enter Darnley, Flanshaw or Wakefield city centre unless they are receiving medical treatment at Pinderfields Hospital.

They cannot use violence, intimidate or harass any person and must not wear face coverings in a public place.

The men also cannot contact any person under 18, including the use of social media or through a third party, or possess any drugs unless they are prescribed.

The orders will remain in force until 23 August 2026 and a breach could result in a prison sentence.

Insp Paul Fraser said: “These injunctions will safeguard children from being drawn into criminality through exploitation by organised crime groups.

“They ensure we can effectively disrupt those responsible for the exploitation of vulnerable children, and violent crime across our district.”