‘Nuisance’ man banned from Ashford High Street for three years after drunken behaviour

A “nuisance” man has been banned from a high street for three years for his repeated drunken behaviour.

Frank Smith repeatedly ignored warnings he was given after drinking alcohol excessively in public and being part of large groups in Ashford town centre.

The 55-year-old was convicted in February of affray and admitted to common assault and harassment in July following an incident at Tesco Express.

Smith was issued several community protection notices (CPN) by police in relation to his behaviour, banning him from drinking alcohol in the town centre and from being rude and abusive.

Despite being told he could be prosecuted should he fail to comply, the Ashford resident persisted in nuisance behaviour.

Officers successfully applied for a criminal behaviour order (CBO) from the court – which came into effect on September 19 – after his arrest for breaching a CPN on September 4.

Smith is now banned from Ashford High Street for three years.

He is further prohibited from being drunk in any public place, from having an open container of alcohol and from being in a group of more than three people.

Smith has also been ordered to engage in an alcohol rehabilitation programme.

A breach of the CBO constitutes a criminal offence, meaning he could be re-sentenced in court should he not comply with the order.

PC Chris Green said: “Everyone has the right to feel safe while out and about in their community and antisocial behaviour is at odds with that, making life miserable for the people who experience it. We will use all the powers we have to stamp out antisocial behaviour and to prevent members of the public from being intimidated by offenders.

“Smith ignored all the warnings given to him and opportunities he had to change, persisting in nuisance behaviour that was affecting residents, visitors and businesses in Ashford.

“I’m very pleased that we have succeeded in obtaining the CBO, making it clear that this conduct will not be tolerated.

“I would encourage anyone experiencing antisocial behaviour to report it to us so that robust action can be taken.”