A FAKE beggar who breached a criminal behaviour order must complete a six-month drug rehabilitation programme.

Terrence Richards from Altham Street, Burnley, pleaded guilty after appearing in Burnley Magistrates Court for breaking his order to stop begging on Sunday, February 12.

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PC Paul Marsden, community beat manager, said the 37-year-old, who has a home, was given the order after people made complaints in the town centre about his behaviour.

He said Richards had continued to beg and was subsequently arrested.

PC Marsden said: “Richards had been begging in Burnley for some time and, although he appears to be homeless, we want to reassure everyone that he does actually have a home.

“We also hope that the drug referral order he’s been given will get him the expert help he needs.”

Tough powers to crack down on begging and other anti-social behaviours were introduced into the town last year.

The Public Space Protection Order was introduced after a number of complaints from businesses, shoppers and visitors about anti-social behaviour putting people off visiting the town centre.

PC Marsden said: “Whenever we find people in Burnley who are genuinely homeless or vulnerable, we do everything we can to work with the council and other agencies to make sure they have somewhere safe to sleep.

“We also make sure they get the longer-term support they need.

“Too often though beggars actually have a home and are taking advantage of the public’s generosity to make significant amounts of cash.

“We want to keep the town centre a safe and enjoyable place for people to visit.”

Richards was given a community order and told to complete drug dependency treatment as part of his rehabilitation.

He was told this must be completed by August 12, and told to pay £85 victim surcharge and £85 costs which would be taken from his benefits.