Banned: Shipley man risks jail if caught begging in anywhere in Bradford district

A man has been banned from begging anywhere in the Bradford district after being convicted of vagrancy and public order offences.
Robin Waltham has been banned from begging anywhere in Bradford district after he was found guilty of vagrancy and a public order offence.Robin Waltham has been banned from begging anywhere in Bradford district after he was found guilty of vagrancy and a public order offence.
Robin Waltham has been banned from begging anywhere in Bradford district after he was found guilty of vagrancy and a public order offence.

Robin Waltham could be sent to prison if he breaches the terms of a five-year Criminal Behaviour Order imposed by the courts.

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He was found guilty of four charges of vagrancy and a charge of public order in Shipley between March 3 and April 8 this year.

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Inspector Julie Deacon, who leads the Shipley Neighbourhood Policing Team, today said: “Waltham was issued with several warnings, but continued to harass members of the public and business owners, sometimes using aggressive behaviour against those who refused to give him any money.

“I hope this order will encourage him to seek assistance with his issues, which clearly caused concerns among the public and the retail sector in Shipley.

“I also hope it demonstrates that we listen to these concerns and will work with partners to use whatever legislation we can to take action against those who blight our communities through crime and anti-social behaviour.”

Also in news: West Yorkshire Police seize fake cardboard 'please help' signs from people pretending to be homelessThe order imposed by the courts prohibits Waltham from sitting, sleeping or loitering in public areas, using articles which may give the impression that he is homeless on any public thoroughfare in Bradford District, and from asking people for money or goods in Bradford District - unless it is part of a contract of employment, a legitimate benefit claim, a retail purchase or a banking transaction.

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Police said that any breaches would result in him being brought back before the courts, where he could be sent to prison.

Coun Abdul Jabar, Bradford Executive Member for Neighbourhoods and Community Safety, said: “We appreciate the efforts of the police in dealing with this case and we will continue to co-operate with them to tackle anti-social behaviour and to encourage individuals to seek help with the problems they face.”

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