Town centre beggar gets ASBO

Neil Dearden

A two-year Anti Social Behaviour Order has been served on a man for repeatedly begging in Rochdale town centre.

Magistrates heard that Neil Dearden’s begging had on occasions been accompanied by abusive and aggressive behaviour. In addition he sometimes inhaled from gas canisters causing great distress to people, including children, who witnessed it.

Mr Dearden, 39, pleaded guilty to acting in an anti social manner which caused or was likely to cause harassment, alarm or distress to one or more persons not of the same household. Mr Dearden was sentenced in relation to four charges of begging while the court heard that he had four previous convictions for the same offence.

The terms of the ASBO include a ban on begging within the borough, being abusive to people in public, possessing a lighter fuel canister in public and coming into Rochdale town centre except for authorised appointments.

Mr Dearden, currently of no fixed abode, faces a fine or a prison sentence of up to five years if he breaks the conditions of the ASBO.

Inspector Lin Houldershaw of Rochdale Police said: “Such was the level of overwhelming concern from members of the public and businesses in the town centre that the issues surrounding the defendant were initially raised as a PACT (Police and Communities Together) priority.”

“It was deemed that necessary action was required, as the defendant had refused to engage in any support services that were offered.”

Councillor Martin Burke, Cabinet Member for Internal and Environmental Services, said: “Members of the public have a right to walk around Rochdale town centre without having to endure anti social behaviour. I hope this case will serve as a warning that both the council and the police are prepared to take strong measures against those who act in an unacceptable manner.”

The ASBO runs until 30 August 2013. Anyone who witnesses a breach of the order should phone police on 0161 872 5050.