A man who threatened shop staff has been slapped with a criminal behaviour order.

Matthew Broadbridge is now restricted from undertaking a number of behaviours, including urinating and defecating in public spaces.

He can also be arrested by police if he sleeps or leaves belongings in any public shelter or shop doorway in Thanet, is aggressive, abusive or causes alarm distress or annoyance, possesses or consumes alcohol in public, or exposes himself or engages in sexual activity in public spaces.

The public are advised to call 999 if they witness him doing any of these things.

The order will last for two years and granted by Margate magistrates' court to address his persistent anti-social behaviour.

It comes as part of a joint initiative by Thanet council with police, following a regular pattern of anti-social behaviour and a large volume of complaints by traders and local businesses.

In March, Mr Broadbridge was convicted of a public order offence in the Margate area.

As a result of this, and following the repeated disregard to other action, the council applied to the criminal prosecution service to request the court consider a criminal behaviour order.

Police inspector Lara Connor said: "Broadbridge pleaded guilty in court to threatening behaviour towards shop staff during a disturbance in College Walk on Friday, February 2, so he is aware his behaviour towards others is not acceptable.

"I hope this brings reassurance to local businesses that any incidents of anti-social behaviour like this will not be tolerated" - Lara Connor

"I’m pleased the court has seen fit to issue Broadbridge with a criminal behaviour order and I suggest he uses the restrictions placed upon him as the motivation needed to address any issues.

"I hope this brings reassurance to local businesses that any incidents of anti-social behaviour like this will not be tolerated by officers, and should be reported to us if experienced by their staff or shoppers."

Cabinet member for housing and safer neighbourhoods, Cllr Lesley Game, said: "This action has not been taken lightly.

"A number of warnings have already been issued and plans put in place to support this individual.

"As a result of his continuous refusal to engage with this support, we had to balance this with the impact his behaviour is having on the wider community and it became clear that this was the appropriate course of action to take.

"I would like to thank the residents and traders for taking their time to highlight their concerns and I hope that this will bring some reassurance to the local community."