These three yobs have been given anti-social behaviour injunctions thanks to their appalling behaviour towards vulnerable residents in Gateshead.
The orders were made after Gateshead Council and Northumbria Police received reports of a series of incidents involving the trio. These included "cuckooing" properties and using them as a base for illicit activities, stealing money given to victims in benefits, stealing food delivered by carers, physical assaults, as well as other forms of exploitative and threatening behaviour.
Under the terms of the injunction, Joanne Reay, 45, and Kevin May, 58, of Ermine Crescent, Sheriff Hill, and Natasha Newton, 29, of Milton Road, Swalwell, are forbidden from causing harassment, alarm, distress, nuisance or annoyance, to any person in Gateshead.
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They have been warned not to use or threaten violence towards people, demand money from any person using threats or intimidation, or use another person's property for abusing drugs and alcohol. They must also not take money, food, and alcohol from any person without their permission.
Joanne Reay and Natasha Newton are also prohibited from entering Sheriff Hill, Beacon Lough, Whitehills, and Milton Road, Swalwell. A failure to stick to the terms of the injunction, imposed by the County Court at Gateshead, will result in their arrest and could lead to a jail sentence.
Coun John Adams, cabinet member for housing at Gateshead Council, said: "The conduct of the three defendants in this case is truly appalling. They have consistently used threatening and coercive behaviour to intimidate vulnerable people for their own gain - this is not acceptable.
"All residents have a right to feel safe and secure in their home, so as soon as the extent of their offending became apparent, Gateshead Council's housing service moved swiftly to get the injunctions in place to protect those affected, as well as preventing any escalation. Should they fail to abide by the terms of the injunctions, they face immediate arrest and a possible jail term.
"Anti-social behaviour can have an incredibly harmful effect on our communities, and we will continue to work hand-in-hand with Northumbria Police to take definitive action against those who make the lives of our residents a misery."
Inspector Kevin Ashurst, of Northumbria Police, added: "This is welcome news for the residents of Swalwell, Sheriff Hill and the surrounding areas who are simply fed up. These defendants have shown a total disregard for the welfare of others in their community and have ignored various warnings to clean up their acts.
"This injunction will help us manage their future behaviour, with two of the defendants banned from entering the areas most affected. Should they ignore these strict conditions, they face re-arrest and the courts will have greater powers in which to sentence them.
"I hope this outcome offers reassurance to the community and I would like to thank them for their patience and cooperation. We will continue to use every avenue at our disposal - whether criminal or civil - to effectively tackle and prevent anti-social behaviour in this region."
The injunctions were imposed on Joanne Reay and Kevin May on January 27, 2023, until January 26, 2024. An interim injunction applies to Natasha Newton, with a return hearing scheduled for February 16.
Anyone who witnesses Joanne Reay, Kevin May, or Natasha Newton breaching the conditions of their injunctions should call Northumbria Police on 101, or report it online.
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