A Hereford man has been given a 3 year Criminal Behaviour Order (CBO).
The order against Paul McDougall was granted by the courts as a result of McDougall’s continual and persistent anti-social behaviour in Hereford city centre.
Police say the 34-year-old's behavior involved him placing himself on the ground at various locations – including shop doorways, near to cashpoint machines with the intention of asking – and on occasions demanding money – from members of the public.
Despite many words of advice and formal interventions by the Police, McDougall persisted in his behaviour which ultimately resulted in him being prosecuted for breaching a Community Protection Notice and eventually receiving a CBO.
McDougall has numerous criminal convictions (49 convictions for 97 offences in total) dating back to 1998 which include convictions for begging, theft, drugs possession, assaults and public order.
The effect of this order prohibits him from asking people for money within specified areas of the city centre for a period of three years. It is requires him to engage with and co-operate with the Drug and Alcohol Service – ADDACTION for a period of three months in order to address his addictions.
Jim Mooney Herefordshire Police Community Safety Coordinator says: Paul McDougall has been offered help and assistance for a number of years and whilst he may purport to be homeless has refused all reasonable offers of accommodation from various agencies. His behaviour in the city centre has been persistently anti-social and has greatly effect local businesses and members of the public who have been prevented from going about their daily tasks without the fear of being harassed, alarmed or distressed.
The Public are encouraged not to give money to people who appear to be begging as for some it only feeds their drug and alcohol addiction and are asked to make a monetary donation through the ‘Give Wisely’ app which is advertised in the city centre.
The public are encouraged to report any breaches of this order to the Police by calling ‘101’’.
Work on replacing ageing Victorian water pipe in Monmouth to continue
Designer appointed for redevelopment of Hereford Museum and Art Gallery
Charities calling for clarity on when new base for people with disabilities will be available
Hereford car showroom plan for new SUV brands
‘Improved’ plan to replace turkey sheds with houses near Leominster
Emergency services respond to explosion at BAE Systems Monmouthshire site
Legal challenge launched to prevent demolition of Three Counties Hotel
Number of empty homes in Monmouthshire reduces since council tax premium
