A Darlington man has been fined over £1000 after he was caught begging on the streets of the town.
Paul Britton, 38, of Mowden Terrace, Darlington, failed to appear at Newton Aycliffe Magistrates' Court on October 2, 2024 but the offence was proved in his absence.
"On 08/06/2024 in Darlington breached a Public Spaces Protection Order by begging on Union Street Darlington in contravention of section 7(c) of the Public Spaces Protection Order – Darlington Town Centre number 1 of 2022. Contrary to section 67(1), (2) and 68 of the Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014," the court documents read.
He was found guilty in his absence for breaching a Public Spaces Protection Order by begging on Union Street, Darlington, on June 8, 2024.
Britton was fined £660 and ordered to pay a £264 victim surcharge and £150 in costs.
The court issued a collection order, with the payment deadline set for October 29, 2024.
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