A Bath woman has been given an anti-social behaviour order (ASBO) that bans her from begging or asking for money in the city centre for 36 months.
Bath magistrates approved the order, applied for by the B&NES police anti-social behaviour team, on Nicola Boskovic age 41, of Lympsham Green, Odd Down.
The court found that she had acted in an anti-social manner which caused or was likely to cause people harassment, alarm or distress.
It was accepted that she was a persistent beggar, there having been several complaints from members of the public made to the police. Boskovic has 14 convictions for begging since 2004, and in 2012 there have been 27 reported instances of her begging within the city.
Police Anti-Social Behaviour Manager Tim Harris said: “The persistence of Boskovic’s conduct, together with her failure to change following arrest and punishment, have determined it is necessary to prevent her from begging in a public place. The prohibition is necessary to protect members of the public. Any breaches of the ASBO will be a criminal matter, and may result in a prison sentence.”
“ASBOs in Bath have proved to be an effective response to those persistent offenders and this is the latest of a number of similar orders granted. Although ASBOs are due to be replaced, under proposals within the Government White Paper “Putting Victims First,” they are likely to be replaced by a Criminal Behaviour Order which will provide an even more holistic approach to dealing with offending behaviour. In the meantime we will continue to effectively use ASBOs to deal with those people who continue to cause misery to so many people.”
District Commander, Chief Superintendent Geoff Spicer said: “We will continue to work to ensure that Bath is a pleasant and safe place to live, work, and visit. This sort of anti-social behaviour will attract a robust approach from the police. Boscovic has shown complete contempt for the impact she has had on people in Bath, and those who visit this wonderful city. Any future breaches of this order will be rigorously enforced by my officers.“
