A powerful court order has been secured to prevent prolific beggar Bradley Alexander Grimes from entering Middlesbrough town centre.
Middlesbrough Neighbourhood Police Team secured the Criminal Behaviour Order against the 29-year-old at Teesside Magistrates' Court last week.
It came after numerous complaints from people using the town centre that Grimes had been aggressive when begging for money.
The potential punishment for not complying with a CBO is up to five years in prison and/or an unlimited fine.
Middlesbrough town centre PC Chris Swales said: “The Criminal Behaviour Order aims to stop Bradley Grimes from becoming verbally abusive and aggressive with members of the public in his attempts to obtain money from them.
“Members of the public should be allowed to go about their business without facing this type of behaviour, and it won’t be tolerated or accepted.
"Any breaches of the CBO could result in further criminal proceedings.”
Marion Walker, Head of Neighbourhoods at Middlesbrough Council, said: "We supported Cleveland Police's application with CCTV evidence and statements, and we are happy that this partnership working has led to a significant result.
"Our officers have offered Bradley significant help and support on numerous occasions, but his offending has continued. This meant that pursuing tough action through the courts was the only option to address his behaviour."
The order stipulates that Grimes must not:
- Not enter Middlesbrough town centre at any time except to attend pre-arranged legal appointments.
- Not attempt to obtain or obtain money, beg for money or ask for money or other items from any member of the public.
- Sit on the floor or any public footpath outside any commercial premises, licensed premises or food outlet or next to cash machine.
- Remain in any shop, commercial or public authority premises if asked to leave by staff.
- Be verbally abusive to any member of the public, local authority or staff from a commercial premises.
- Enter Linthorpe Road, Middlesbrough between the junctions of Borough Road and Granville Road.