A nuisance beggar who plagued members of the public and businesses in Middlesbrough has been hit with a powerful banning order.
Ross Dufton is barred from trying to obtain money and other items anywhere in the town.
Under the two-year Criminal Behaviour Order Dufton is also prohibited from sitting on the ground outside commercial and licensed premises, food outlets and near cash machines.
Any breaches will be treated as criminal offences and could see the 37-year-old, of Thornton Street, sent to prison.
Appearing before Teesside Magistrates, Dufton was also fined £100 with a £40 victim surcharge and ordered to pay £200 costs.
Councillor Janet Thompson, Middlesbrough Council’s Executive member for Community Safety, said: “This sort of behaviour is completely unacceptable, and we won’t tolerate it.
“Law-abiding residents, visitors and businesses have an absolute right to enjoy the town centre free from this sort of harassment, and I’m grateful to the courts for backing our stance.
“Support is available and we will find help for anyone who needs it – but prosecution is an inevitable last resort when all other efforts have been rejected.”