Beggar given ASBO to stop him hassling Nelson shoppers
1:00pm Saturday 20th October 2012 in News
A NUISANCE beggar who was given an ASBO to stop him plaguing shoppers and traders in Nelson breached it within 24 hours.
Daniel Nelson, 29, of Bracewell Street, Nelson, was given the interim anti-social behaviour order on Wednesday after persistent begging in the town centre.
But on Thursday morning he was back on the streets asking passing shoppers for 50p and cigarettes.
He was also seen begging on Scotland Road, Nelson, on Thursday.
He was arrested by police and appeared at Burnley Magistrates' Court yesterday.
Andrew Robinson, prosecuting, said: “Members of the public have been approached and asked for 50p and one has reported it to a nearby PCSO.
“Shortly after he has gone into a nearby bookmakers and started asking people in there for money."
David Lawson, defending Nelson, said: “Over the last 12 months he has been up numerous times for this sort of matter culminating in the anti-social behaviour order.
“There are concerns about his ability to understand what is going on and that he may not have fully understood the order he was given at court on Wednesday.”
The court heard that Nelson had six offences of begging since August.
He was given an £80 fine for the offence, which was covered by the time he had spent in custody overnight.
