Police antisocial behaviour officers in Bath have become the first in the Avon and Somerset force to use a new law to control a persistent offender.
At Bath Magistrates’ Court on Friday 4th September, Joseph McIntyre admitted breaching a Community Protection Notice (CPN) that ordered him not to shout or swear or act aggressively to staff at the Bath and North East Council One Stop in Manvers Street.
The 29-year-old of Arlington Road, Bath was given a conditional discharge and ordered to pay court costs.
Bath police Antisocial Behaviour Co-ordinator Tim Harris said: “He had first been issued with a written notice warning him about his behaviour towards council staff, followed by an official Community Protection Notice ordering him to stop.
“When he breached that – and his behaviour was witnessed by police offices and staff – he committed a criminal offence.”
The BANES police ASB team have so far issued 22 warnings and five Community Protection Notices since the new Antisocial Behaviour Crime and Policing Act was introduced in October 2014. Another two people are due in court for breaching their CPN.
Mr Harris said: “We are delighted that we have been able to use these new powers and bring this matter to a successful conclusion in court.
“If Mr McIntyre’s behaviour continues we can consider issuing him with a Criminal Behaviour Order which carries more serious penalties.
“The new Act means that local authorities and police can take action much quicker and more effectively than before to prevent antisocial behaviour that can have a detrimental effect on the quality of life of others.”