A persistent street drinker in Walsall has been successfully prosecuted following a string of anti-social behaviour offences.
David Coffey, of Birmingham Road, Walsall, pleaded guilty to five separate offences at Dudley Magistrates’ Court on 16 October 2024, all of which breached the town centre’s Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO).
Offences included consuming alcohol within a prohibited area, urinating in public, and remaining within a specified area without reasonable excuse to cause harassment, alarm and distress.
Coffey was fined £120 for one of his offences, plus a £48 victim surcharge, of which magistrates noted were in line with his limited means.
The council also applied for a Criminal Behaviour Order (CBO) to be issued, which the court can grant against an individual to tackle the most persistent anti-social behaviour.
CBOs are usually served with a duration of between 2 and 5 years, but in this instance, was granted by magistrates until further order, to acknowledge the detrimental impacts Coffey’s behaviour has within the community.
Councillor Garry Perry, Leader of Walsall Council, said, “Once again the council has proven that we will clamp down on anti-social behaviour – it has absolutely no place in our borough.
“People need to understand the personal responsibility they have as citizens, and if they don’t, we will enforce it to protect our residents and communities who wish live in a clean and safe environment.
“Our community protection teams are targeting hotspots within the borough where anti-social behaviour is particularly prevalent, and following the latest result, it shows our plan is working.
“Well done to those teams for bringing these cases to court and showing that Walsall will not accept this behaviour.”
The council will work with West Midlands police to ensure that any breaches of the CBO are dealt with accordingly.
Walsall’s children decorate town centre tree with hopes for a bright future
Plans approved for almost 100 new energy-efficient council homes as part of major overhaul
Walsall’s Christmas miracle: Hundreds of gifts distributed following successful donation appeal
Progress at new Household Waste Recycling Centre and Waste Transfer Station
New lease deal gives social enterprise strong future
Businesses support Christmas gift appeal following vehicle fire
Local group supporting people with disabilities create festive decorations for Tamworth Castle
Grant awarded to Tamworth Samaritans as council honour longest night by lighting the castle green
Comments
Add a comment