Man fined and banned from town centre for persistent anti-social behaviour in Great Yarmouth

At a hearing at the town's magistrates' court, 54-year-old Barry Turner was found guilty of three breaches of Great Yarmouth's Public Spaces Protection Order after repeated incidents of street drinking and aggressively refusing to move on.

Turner, of no-fixed abode, was also handed a two-year Criminal Behaviour Order which bans him from a designated area of the town and means he can be arrested if he breaches the order. And, in addition to the fine and costs, he was ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £144.

Turner was convicted after drinking alcohol in the Market Place and St George's Park and he has a history of being obstructive and aggressive to both council and support officers.

Councillor Paul Wells, Great Yarmouth Borough Council's portfolio holder for Environment and Sustainability, Licensing and Waste, said: ''We recently introduced the new anti-social PSPO because everyone is fed up with the small minority who continue to impact other people's quality of life with their behaviour.

''Anti-social behaviour which makes people feel unsafe in their own town will not be tolerated and we will pursue offenders and take action where appropriate. So many people are working so hard to improve the perception of Great Yarmouth and encourage us all to take a pride in our environment - the PSPO enables us to take the necessary action to improve things for everyone.''

The council introduced the PSPO following a major public consultation last year when residents said feeling safe and the cleanliness of the town centre were among their top priorities.

The order covers the whole borough and outlaws public drinking of alcohol, begging, urinating in public, spitting and riding bikes or e-scooters on paths.

There are prominent signs to alert people to the order with graphics and links to make the signage accessible for all. The anti-social behaviour order lasts for three years and has been accompanied by a range of support services for people to access.