ASBO for homeless man

7 February 2011, 16:29 | Updated: 22 February 2011, 10:32

A man from Milton Keynes has been given an Anti-Social Behaviour Order (ASBO) after numerous incidents of aggressive behaviour towards the public.

Jamie Lee Cooke, aged 26, of no fixed abode, was given the two year ASBO at Milton Keynes Magistrates’ Court yesterday (3/1).

The Order prohibits Cooke from:

1) Entering Central Milton Keynes as bounded by the H5 Portway, V8 Marlborough Street, H6 Childs Way and V6 Grafton Gate. Apart from pre-arranged appointments with statutory and non statutory agencies.
2) Begging for money, food or clothing in the government area of Milton Keynes.
3) Causing alarm, harassment and distress to members of the public by way of becoming verbally abusive and aggressive when refused entry to premises and refused any charitable handout of money or goods in the government area of Milton Keynes.

Milton Keynes anti-social behaviour officer, PC Goodwin said: “Cooke has been causing problems within the City for several months. His aggressive behaviour and attitude towards members of the public was being reported on a daily basis. Many agencies have tried to work with him and he has been given numerous chances to change his behaviour. Milton Keynes use ASBO’s as a last resort and because of Cooke’s continual lack of engagement he left us no choice. 

“I would like to thank those members of the public who came to court and gave evidence. Without their courage to stand up to Cooke’s disgraceful behaviour we would not have been successful.” 

PC Mark Ridley, who is the Neighbourhood Officer for Central Milton Keynes said: “We hope this ASBO will send a strong message to similar individuals within the City. This case has been a joint effort with many officers supplying information and Partners Against Crime (PAC) giving direct evidence of Cooke’s behaviour to the Court. We hope Cooke will now face up to his behaviour and make an effort to change.” 

Members of the public are asked to contact Thames Valley Police on 0845 8 505 505 if they see Cooke breaching any of the conditions listed above.