Middlesbrough nuisance beggar handed two-year banning order

Ross Dufton, 37, of Thornton Street, has been barred from trying to obtain money and other items anywhere in Middlesbrough.

This comes after he was given a two-year v, which has also prohibited him from sitting outside commercial and licensed premises, food outlets and near cash machines.

(Image: Middlesbrough Council)

Dufton was fined £100 with a £40 victim surcharge at Teesside Magistrates Court, and was also ordered to pay £200 in costs.

Any breaches of the order will be treated as criminal offences and could see the 37-year-old sent to prison.

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Councillor Janet Thompson, Middlesbrough Council’s Executive member for Community Safety, said: “This sort of behaviour is completely unacceptable, and we won’t tolerate it.

“Law-abiding residents, visitors and businesses have an absolute right to enjoy the town centre free from this sort of harassment, and I’m grateful to the courts for backing our stance.

“Support is available and we will find help for anyone who needs it – but prosecution is an inevitable last resort when all other efforts have been rejected.”