A street beggar has been slapped with a three-year criminal behaviour order and banned from entering the high street.

Ian Grist, of Kent Road, Sheerness, has been ordered not to enter the town's high street or beg for money on the streets.

The 64-year-old also can't sit on the floor or remain outside any shop in Swale unless due to a medical reason.

He is also ordered to ensure he leaves any premises when directed to by police, PCSOs or anyone acting in a lawful capacity and can't go anywhere he's been banned or excluded from.

Officers from the borough's community safety unit worked alongside Swale council to tackle his behaviour and in September last year he was handed a written warning.

However, police say he ignored this and continued to behave in an anti-social manner and was "negatively affecting" the quality of life of residents in the nearby area.

In April he was issued with a community protection notice (CPN) and again given an opportunity to address his behaviour but failed to do so.

'We took this step as a last resort to protect those using the area...'

After ignoring the notice he was subsequently arrested. Grist failed to appear in court in September and a warrant was authorised for his arrest.

Officers tracked him down and brought him to Medway Magistrates' Court where he was found guilty of breaching the CPN, fined £80 and handed a criminal behaviour order.

PC Jamie Spencer of the Swale Community Safety Unit, said: "Kent Police understands the impact that anti-social behaviour such as this can have on residents, businesses and visitors. One person can be responsible for causing a lot of anxiety and stress among those in the community and we are committed to tackling the issue.

"We took this step as a last resort to protect those using the area and hope the court order will lead to Mr Grist improving his behaviour.

"Anyone who witnesses Mr Grist breaching the order should report it to us so that we can take action."

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