A MAN has been made subject to Dorset’s first Criminal Behaviour Order after being found guilty of begging and theft offences in Dorchester.

Justin Gerrard was convicted of the offences at Weymouth Magistrates Court and as a result police applied for the Criminal Behaviour Order (CBO) to be attached to the sentencing.

The order prevents Gerrard, of Wessex Road, Dorchester from acts of begging within the town of Dorchester and causing anti-social behaviour in Dorset.

It lasts for three years and if breached he can be arrested.

Police say the application was made following many months of offending including persistent begging and shoplifting offences.

They claim the 45-year-old’s behaviour had been causing a great deal of community concern particularly within the town centre and many business owners had complained that his begging was having an impact on trade.

Officers have been working with colleagues from West Dorset District Council and Weymouth and Portland Borough Council in order that an effective response to this problem could be taken before the courts.

Inspector Steve Marsh, of Dorchester Police, said: “My local police team worked hard with members of West Dorset and Weymouth anti-social behaviour team to ensure that Magistrates fully understood the impact on the community as a result of Mr Gerrard’s behaviour.

“The CBO gives us the ability to deal quickly with any further reoffending.

“At the same time we will continue to work with other agencies and offer support to Mr Gerrard, who does have a home in Dorchester and receives a great deal of support from many agencies."