A Mansfield man has been banned from the town centre following a successful anti-social behaviour injunction obtained by Mansfield District Council.
Peter Oxley, of Birkland Street, Mansfield, has been issued with an order banning him from entering the town centre, falsely claiming to be homeless, begging and harassing members of the public. A power of arrest has been attached to the injunction.
The council took action after members of the public complained that Oxley was persistently begging outside shops and pubs with his dog. He became abusive when asked to move on by shop staff, police and council officers.
Support offered before action taken
Councillor Angie Jackson, joint Portfolio Holder for Wellbeing, Health and Safer Communities, said enforcement action was taken as a last resort. "Mr Oxley, who is not homeless, was offered support multiple times before we took this action, but sadly this did not change his behaviour," she said. "We will continue to offer our help to Mr Oxley moving forward."
Councillor Jackson added that the council understands such behaviour can make people feel unsafe. "It's important that we take action when we can," she said. "We encourage everyone to report anti-social behaviour to us so that we can build evidence and work with our partners to stamp it out."
Additional restrictions and costs
Oxley, who did not attend the court hearing, has also been banned from entering Mansfield Leisure Park and St Peter's Retail Park. He has been ordered to pay more than £1,100 in court fees.
To report anti-social behaviour, residents can visit mansfield.gov.uk/community-safety-crime/report-anti-social-behaviour
