Middlesbrough aggressive beggar jailed for nine breaches of Criminal Behaviour Order

29-year-old Bradley Grimes, from Middlesbrough, has today been given a prison sentence for nine breaches of his Criminal Behaviour Order (CBO). 

On 17th June this year, aggressive beggar Bradley Alexander Grimes, was given a CBO following complaints from members of the public around aggressive begging in the Middlesbrough area.

The order stipulated that Grimes must not:

• Not enter Middlesbrough town centre at any time except to attend pre-arranged legal appointments.

• Not attempt to obtain or obtain money, beg for money or ask for money or other items from any member of the public.

• Sit on the floor or any public footpath outside any commercial premises, licensed premises or food outlet or next to cash machine.

• Remain in any shop, commercial or public authority premises if asked to leave by staff.

• Be verbally abusive to any member of the public, local authority or staff from a commercial premises.

• Attend any meeting and appointment arranged for him in regard to his housing, health or addiction needs by his social worker or any other agency.

• Not enter Linthorpe Road, Middlesbrough between the junctions of Borough Road and Granville Road.

Since the order was obtained, Bradley has been charged with breaching it nine times, in both the Middlesbrough and Yarm areas.  

At Teesside Crown Court today, Thursday 26 September, he was sentenced to six months in prison.

Middlesbrough Neighbourhood Team PC Chris Swales, said: “Along with our partners, we will continue to pursue those who make it difficult for others to go about their daily business, and we won’t tolerate those who carry out aggressive or threatening behaviour.

“Bradley has been offered help but he chooses to continue breaching his CBO. This has now resulted in today’s sentence, which will hopefully prevent others from suffering as a result of his behaviour.”

Marion Walker, Head of Neighbourhoods at Middlesbrough Council, said: "Middlesbrough Council officers, our partners, charities and support services have offered Bradley a significant amount of help and support for a number of years.

"The Criminal Behaviour Order which Cleveland Police secured against him set out clear rules and boundaries about his expected behaviour, to protect members of the public from his offending.

"Unfortunately, that order has been ignored and the offending has continued, and the courts have been left with no option but to send him to prison.

"The Council is always open to working with Bradley in the future and will continue to offer support, but this case proves that we will always take tough action when it is appropriate."