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The prosecution marks the start of the council’s anti-street drinking campaign ‘Operation Dry Street’, which aims to proactively deal with street drinking and other associated antisocial behaviour across North Somerset.
Nathan Gould, of Ashcombe Road, attended North Somerset Magistrates' Court on Friday 9 June where he pleaded guilty to three breaches of a Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) and one breach of a Community Protection Notice (CPN) served against him by the Council.
The court heard that on three separate occasions in March, Gould was seen openly urinating in the town centre, including the High Street and the Boulevard, in breach of the Council’s PSPO, which is a criminal offence.
In addition, the court heard that in May, Gould was seen with an open can of alcohol in Weston town centre, which breached the CPN issued to him. The CPN required Gould not to be in possession of an open container of alcohol, or be in possession of any other intoxicating substance, in a public place within a mapped area of Weston.
A CPN can be imposed on individuals over the age of 16 where their conduct is unreasonable, consistent, and has a detrimental effect on the quality of life of those in the community.
Magistrates gave Gould a CBO lasting two-years and he was ordered to pay a total of £162, comprising of an £80 fine, £32 victim surcharge and £50 in costs.
The CBO included the following conditions:
- not urinating or defecating in any place other than those built specifically for the purpose,
- not congregating in a public place in a group of two or more persons in a manner causing or likely to cause any person to fear for their safety,
- not entering or remaining in a retail or business premises where they have been banned,
- proving they have the means to pay for goods and services when entering a retail or business premises when asked, and
- not acting or inciting others to act in an antisocial manner within the mapped area of Weston town centre.
Councillor James Clayton, North Somerset Council’s executive member for safety in the community, said: “A CBO is the maximum level of antisocial behaviour intervention at the council’s disposal. This prosecution, which includes the issuing of the council’s first CBO, should make it clear that we will take robust action against those who continually act in a way that is detrimental to our community.
“Antisocial behaviour is committed by a small minority, but it can have a significant negative impact on those living in the areas where it happens. We’re committed to reinforcing work in this area, and in partnership with Avon and Somerset Police and other agencies, to make sure North Somerset is a safe place to live, work and visit.”
If the CBO is breached, Gould would be liable on conviction to imprisonment for a term not exceeding five years or to a fine, or to both.
People should report all incidents of antisocial behaviour by calling the police on 101, or completing a short form online at www.saferstrongerns.co.uk/reportasb. In an emergency, always call 999.
For updates on the work of North Somerset Council’s Safer Stronger team, follow @SaferStrongerNS on Twitter and Safer Stronger North Somerset on Facebook.