Homeless Man Banned From Ferndown Town Centre

31 October 2014, 07:05

An ASBO's been handed to a homeless man, banning him from Ferndown town centre for the next five years.

Darren Amor, aged 40 of no fixed abode, caused significant nuisance and intimidation over a long period of time. He was given an Anti-Social Behaviour Order at East Dorset Magistrates Court on Wednesday (29 October).
 
East Dorset District Council applied for the order, in partnership with Dorset Police, following a catalogue of more than 40 incidents involving Mr Amor, including: being drunk and disorderly, lying in the road obstructing traffic, urinating in public, theft, assault, threatening and abusive behaviour to residents, young people and business owners, and violence towards police officers.

The order prohibits Mr Amor from:
- Using, or inciting others to use, insulting or abusive words or behaviour in any public place in Ferndown or Wimborne.
- Entering areas of Ferndown including (but not limited to) Victoria Road, Penny's Walk, Albert Road, Church Road, King George V playing fields and Warren Walk.
- Being drunk and not in control of his actions in public.
- Being in possession of open alcohol in public (except on licensed premises).
- Entering shops or businesses from which he has been banned in writing.

Breaching the order is a criminal offence for which Mr Amor can be arrested and fined or sent to prison.

Gavin Barnes, Community Safety Officer for Christchurch and East Dorset Councils, said:

"The authorities, in partnership, have taken necessary action to protect the community of Ferndown who have suffered from the behaviour of Mr Amor. The council and police, predominantly PC Lucy Hughes, Safer Neighbourhood Officer for Ferndown, have worked very hard to obtain this order, and hope that Ferndown residents are reassured that we have taken their concerns seriously.

"We appeal to the community to play a part in assisting Mr Amor to abide by the terms of the order. It is imperative that any breaches of the conditions of the order are reported to the authorities as soon as possible so that they can be robustly enforced. Members of the public can contact Dorset Police on 101 (or 999 in an emergency) or East Dorset District Council on 01202 795000."