A man has been banned from begging in Swansea city centre as part of an anti social behaviour order imposed on him for two years.
Shane David Gundy, of Primrose Court, Penlan, was made the subject of the order upon conviction for an offence at Swansea Magistrates Court until March 2013 to protect the public from his behaviour.
The two-year order bans him from begging anywhere in Swansea city centre. The order also prevents him from being in the company of any other beggars, bans him from drinking alcohol within Swansea city centre and excludes him from entering Castle Square between 7pm and 7am every day.
South Wales Police applied for the order which, if breached, carries on conviction a term of imprisonment for five years, a fine, or both.
Chief Inspector Steve Jones, based at Swansea Central Police Station, said: “The decision of the court to impose this order reinforces our commitment to taking action against those who persistently beg in Swansea city centre.
“Shoppers and workers can find beggars intimidating, especially when they beg around cash machines and in shopping areas.
“This case demonstrates that we will take positive action which I hope will reassure visitors and businesses but also deter those begging in Swansea city centre.”
Gundy has been regularly caught begging and causing anti-social behaviour in the city centre during an ongoing initiative under the banner of Operation Lynx.
This is a multi-agency operation that tackles quality of life issues as well as criminal activity in the city centre.
PC Warren Williams of the Swansea Community Safety Department added: “Operation Lynx is continuing to tackle quality of life issues for city centre users and our enforcement activity against persistent offenders.
“If a member of the public believes the terms of an ASBO are being breached, they should contact the police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”
