A 64 year old man with a history of causing serious nuisance and anti social behaviour around south Manchester has been given a five year ASBO.
Manchester City Council provided evidence of 53 incidents involving John O'Neill of no fixed address. They included shop lifting, being in possession of cannabis, being in possession of a knife, swearing and shouting abusive and aggressive language, urinating on a vehicle and defecating on a lawn.
Witness evidence was given by Greater Manchester Police, and staff employed in shops up and down the Wilmslow Road corridor, including, M&S, Didsbury, Café Rouge, Didsbury, Lidl, Rusholme, Tesco Express, Rusholme, police officers and staff at Manchester Airport.
Mr O'Neill shouted abuse and used foul language to staff in shops and restaurants. One member of staff transferred to another branch to avoid having to deal with him.
The judge stated in his summing up that Mr O'Neill is a thorough nuisance, foul mouthed, aggressive and has no respect for authority or for Police, shop keepers and members of the public.
The ASBO bans Mr O'Neill from using abusive, insulting, offensive, threatening or intimidating language or behaviour in a public place or in any place to which the public has access. Engaging in conduct causing or likely to cause another person to fear for their safety or safety of their property. Urinating or defecating in a public place or in any place to which the public has access; save for designated public toilets. Taking property belonging to someone else without paying or without the consent of the owner.
He is also excluded from a large area of south Manchester , including the airport unless he has a valid ticket for travel.
Manchester City Council's Executive Member for Neighbourhood Services, Councillor Paul Andrews said: "This behaviour has had a huge impact on the lives of people working and living in the area and we want to send out a clear message that it will not be tolerated."
Inspector David Nutsey from the Didsbury Neighbourhood Policing Team said: "This is excellent news for the residents and businesses of Withington and Didsbury. This particular offender has been causing trouble for a long period of time, not only by intimidating residents but by committing anti-social behaviour which can seriously affect the quality of life for the local community.
"Residents and retailers should be able to go about their daily business without individuals disrupting it and this ASBO is a significant step forward in reducing the number of anti-social behaviour reports we receive and addressing an issue, which has been highlighted repeatedly as a community concern."