Peterborough: ASBO For Homeless Man

11 April 2013, 12:43 | Updated: 11 April 2013, 12:51

A homeless man, who defecated in a shop, has been banned from behaving anti-socially in Peterborough.

Paul Morgan, 50, of no fixed abode, appeared before magistrates at Peterborough on Wednesday (April 9th) where the anti-social behaviour order (Asbo) was imposed.

The court heard Morgan had a long list of incidents of anti-social behaviour against his name, including:

  • On December 1st last year, in St John's Street, Peterborough, Morgan dropped his trousers and defecated on the pavement.
  • In August last year, in the Sue Ryder shop, in Bridge Street, Peterborough, he was drunk, defecated on the floor and was abusive to staff.

The Asbo will prohibit him from:

  1. Acting in an anti-social manner that causes or is likely to cause harassment, alarm or distress to one or more persons not of the same household as himself, in any public place in Peterborough.
  2. Entering any public building, shop, office or other commercial enterprise in Peterborough for which access has been denied except in the case of a genuine emergency.
  3. Remaining within any public building, shop, office or other commercial enterprise in Peterborough after being asked to leave by a police officer, a PCSO, a manager or proprietor, or member of staff.
  4. Being disorderly whilst under the influence of alcohol in Peterborough.

If Morgan flouts the order he could be sent to prison for up to five years.

Crime Reduction Officer Beverley Makin said: "This order was necessary as Paul Morgan's lifestyle had led to offences being committed in the city centre and he had refused all support from Peterborough City Council. Numerous members of the public and local businesses have complained about his behaviour and habitual drinking and have raised public health concerns."

Gary Goose, Strategic Safer and Stronger Peterborough Manager, said: "Peterborough City Council services have been trying to support Mr Morgan to curb his behaviour and lifestyle issues, but he has failed to engage throughout. It is now hoped he will work with all partners to address his behaviour and find suitable accommodation within the city."

City Centre Sergeant Jo Reeves added: "The city centre team has spent a long time dealing with Morgan on almost a daily basis.

"The anti-social behaviour order will assist the team in dealing with him more robustly and therefore will significantly reduce the potential impact his behaviour has on people visiting the city centre."