A BARNSLEY beggar has been barred from entering the town centre for the next two years after becoming the subject of the council’s first-ever ‘criminal behaviour order’.
Matthew Spencer, of Doncaster Road, faced charges for multiple violations of a community protection notice and pleaded guilty to offences committed between July 11, 2023 and September 14, 2023.
Barnsley Magistrates’ Court imposed a £20 fine and an £8 victim surcharge.
Under the order, Spencer is barred from entering the town centre, with limited exceptions to visit essential locations.
He is also forbidden from engaging in activities that give the impression of begging.
Coun Wendy Cain, cabinet spokesperson for public health and communities, said: “There’s no place for antisocial behaviour in Barnsley and we will continue working with our partners to keep people safe in their neighbourhoods or while out and about enjoying our thriving town centre and villages.”
