Three Nottingham Beggars Behind Bars for Breaching Court Orders
Persistent Beggars Caught Red-Handed
Nottingham’s Operation Compass team are cracking down hard on persistent beggars. Christopher Brealey, 55, with no fixed address, was snared on Milton Street on April 4th after breaching his Criminal Behaviour Order (CBO) issued in March 2023. The CBO restricts him from being in most of the city centre except certain spots to access services. Brealey pleaded guilty and was slapped with a two-month prison sentence at Nottingham Magistrates’ Court the very next day.
Two More Offenders Nabbed
On the same day, Frankie Smart, 64, from Grove Avenue in the Arboretum, was arrested on Thurland Street carrying stolen goods. The crafty crook was charged with two counts of theft plus breaching a CBO. He admitted all offences at court and was kept in custody ahead of sentencing.
Just a day later on April 5th, John Sallis, 36, also homeless, was caught flouting his CBO on Wheeler Gate. Like Brealey, his order forbids him from entering most city centre areas except designated service locations. Sallis was promptly handed a hefty 24-week jail term.
Police Vow Tough Stance on Antisocial Behaviour
“My team have worked relentlessly to secure CBOs against these prolific offenders,” said Sergeant Jono Pothecary, head of Operation Compass. “The rules are simple: break the order, go to jail. Our officers did well spotting these breaches and bringing offenders before the courts.”
He added: “These orders don’t block access to support services – our aim is to help individuals break their offending cycle. But where enforcement is needed, as in these cases, it is both necessary and proportionate. Nottinghamshire Police remain firmly committed to wiping out antisocial behaviour and reassuring the public that we’re on their side.”
