A man has been given a suspended sentence after weeks of 'begging and intimidating members of the public' in Coventry. Police say he had been 'causing a nuisance' in Cheylesmore.
Residents said the man had been 'banging on their doors' while they were sleeping and repeatedly 'asking for money'. A number of people have claimed to be 'terrified' over the incidents in Cheylesmore.
A 44-year-old man, who has not been named, has since been convicted and given a 10-week suspended sentence, said West Midlands Police. He is also subject to a Community Protection Notice (CPN).
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Speaking to CoventryLive, Councillor Roger Bailey said: “A number of residents had contacted me about a person who had been knocking on doors and asking for money at all times of the day, which I passed on. I am glad to hear the police have stepped in and maybe stopped it and hopefully, he can be given help and support.”
A spokesman for West Midlands Police said: “We are aware of community concerns over this type of anti-social behaviour in Cheylesmore and a man has been convicted and given a 10-week suspended sentence.
“He is now subject to a Community Protection Notice preventing him from begging and intimidating members of the public. Breaching a CPN can result in further court action.”
It comes as PM Rishi Sunak says he will be launching a crackdown on 'nuisance' begging in a bid to tackle anti-social behaviour, reports the Daily Express. He will reportedly launch a series of new powers for police to move on beggars causing 'public distress.'
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