Aggressive beggar jailed for drinking on streets of Teesside

Gary Oliver became angry and abusive when he was confronted about breaching his criminal behaviour order (CBO) last month.

The 65-year-old was approached by civil enforcement officers when he was spotted on CCTV drinking on a bench on the High Street, Norton, near Stockton.

He started shouting and swearing at the officers and landed himself back in court where a suspended sentence was activated.

Speaking after last week's court appearance, Chief Inspector Dan Heron, from Stockton’s Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: “Oliver is a prolific offender of anti-social behaviour, and his actions consume a lot of public resources.

“We have worked with partners to prevent Oliver from offending in the first place, but he continues to blight our town centres.

“This sends a clear message to people with these orders that they are in place for a reason and if they are breached, you will face punishment that could involve being sent to jail.

“We’re working really hard with our partners across to make the town an even safer place for residents and shoppers, and we will continue to take action against those who commit anti-social behaviour.”

Gary Oliver (Image: Cleveland Police)

Oliver, of Hertford Road, Stockton, was first issued the CBO after appearing at Teesside Magistrates Court on Thursday, November 16, 2023, when he was found guilty of assaulting an emergency worker and five counts of racially aggravated public order relating to five people.

He was handed a 12-week prison sentence suspended for two years and ordered to pay compensation alongside the CBO.

Councillor Norma Stephenson, Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Access, Communities and Community Safety, said: “People visiting our town centres want to feel safe and free from intimidating drink-related behaviour, begging and aggression.

“That’s why we introduced a Public Space Protection Order in Norton and Stockton Town Centre last April.

“Working in partnership with Cleveland Police we used the tools available to us and Mr Oliver was issued with a two-year Criminal Behaviour Order, which he has now breached, leaving him facing a jail sentence.

“This action shows that nuisance behaviour which affects our communities will not be tolerated. We’ll continue to build on the work we are doing to support local businesses to make sure crime is disrupted.”