Council secures Criminal Behaviour Order to crack down on antisocial behaviour

Sunderland City Council has secured a two-year Criminal Behaviour Order against Erica Purvis of Athol Road, Hendon, in a bid to address anti-social behaviour in the city centre after several complaints were received from Northumbria Police, Sunderland BID, Nexus, and city centre visitors.

Purvis is living in a privately rented property and has access to funds, and therefore does not need to beg. Throughout the investigation she was also offered referrals to relevant support services but would not engage.

Under the terms of the order, Purvis has been prohibited from begging in the City Centre. The prohibitions agreed are:

(a)      not cause any disorder in the Park Lane interchange this includes the bus terminals and train station to the annoyance of Nexus staff; and/or

(b)     not approach any member of the public to solicit money; and/or

(c)      not loiter in any public place or throughfare with any sign, item, and/or animal or hold out your hand to any person in a manner that would give another person the impression that you are begging or intend to beg.

In addition, a 12-month Conditional discharge was imposed.

Purvis could be jailed if she breaches any conditions of the order secured against her at South Tyneside Magistrates Court on Tuesday 18 January.

The Criminal Behaviour Order follows a breach of Community Protection Warning and Community Protection Notice.

The city council's antisocial behaviour (ASB) team said complaints had been received from members of the public whose visit to the city centre had been impacted by Purvis's continued behaviour. Businesses also stated trade was being affected.

Deputy Leader of Sunderland City Council, Councillor Claire Rowntree said: "In cases like this, where an individual has persisted with antisocial behaviour despite a warning and Community Protection Notice, and will not engage in relevant support, we have no alternative but to seek legal action.

"Everyone has the right to feel safe in the city centre and should feel free to go about their business without being subjected to intimidating or threatening behaviour. Likewise, the city's businesses should not be impacted by this. We have worked closely with Northumbria Police, city centre businesses, Bridges Shopping Centre staff and Sunderland BID to bring this case to court.

"We believe the securing of this Order sends a strong message that persistent anti-social begging will not be tolerated in this city. This is about getting tough on the kind of antisocial behaviour that has a negative impact on our communities."

Inspector Jamie Southwell, of Northumbria Police, said: "We are committed to ensuring our city centre is as safe as possible for everyone.

"That is only possible through close work with the council and other partners, and this is the result of what has been an excellent team effort.

"I welcome the order handed down to help tackle Purvis' persistent anti-social behaviour, and we hope this will deter any future offending.

"I'd like to thank everyone involved, especially the officers who've shown outstanding determination and effort to help secure this outcome."

Over the last 12 months, Sunderland City Council has also secured seven closure orders on problem properties to tackle ASB, as well as 192 Community Protection Warnings and 54 Community Protection Notices.