A woman who persistently begged in Sunderland city centre has been banned from doing so - and could be jailed for five years if she breaches an order.
Complaints were received from Northumbria Police, Sunderland BID, Nexus, and city centre visitors about Erica Purvis who is living in a privately rented property and has access to funds so does not need to beg.
Sunderland City Council launched an investigation and Purvis was offered referrals to relevant support services but would not engage with them.
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A two-year Criminal Behaviour Order has since been secured against Purvis of Athol Road, Hendon, prohibiting her from begging in Sunderland city centre.
The prohibitions agreed are:
- not to cause any disorder in the Park Lane interchange, this includes the bus terminals and train station, to the annoyance of Nexus staff; and/or
- not approach any member of the public to solicit money; and/or
- not loiter in any public place or thoroughfare with any sign, item, and/or animal or hold out your hand to any person in a manner that would give another person the impression that you are begging or intend to beg.
In addition, a 12-month conditional discharge was imposed.
Purvis could be jailed for up to five years if she breaches any conditions of the order secured against her at South Tyneside Magistrates' Court on Tuesday, January 18.
The Criminal Behaviour Order follows a breach of Community Protection Warning and Community Protection Notice.
The city council’s anti-social behaviour (ASB) team said complaints had been received from members of the public whose visit to the city centre had been impacted by Purvis’s continued behaviour.
Businesses also stated trade was being affected.
Deputy leader of Sunderland City Council councillor Claire Rowntree said: "In cases like this, where an individual has persisted with anti-social behaviour despite a warning and Community Protection Notice, and will not engage in relevant support, we have no alternative but to seek legal action.
"Everyone has the right to feel safe in the city centre and should feel free to go about their business without being subjected to intimidating or threatening behaviour. Likewise, the city’s businesses should not be impacted by this.
"We have worked closely with Northumbria Police, city centre businesses, Bridges Shopping Centre staff and Sunderland BID to bring this case to court.
"We believe the securing of this Order sends a strong message that persistent anti-social begging will not be tolerated in this city. This is about getting tough on the kind of anti-social behaviour that has a negative impact on our communities."
Inspector Jamie Southwell, of Northumbria Police, said: "We are committed to ensuring our city centre is as safe as possible for everyone.
"That is only possible through close work with the council and other partners, and this is the result of what has been an excellent team effort.
"I welcome the order handed down to help tackle Purvis’ persistent anti-social behaviour, and we hope this will deter any future offending.
"I’d like to thank everyone involved, especially the officers who’ve shown outstanding determination and effort to help secure this outcome."
Over the last 12 months, Sunderland City Council has also secured seven closure orders on problem properties to tackle anti-social behaviour, as well as 192 Community Protection Warnings and 54 Community Protection Notices.
