A persistent Maidstone beggar has been made the subject of a five-year court order which imposes strict conditions to deter antisocial behaviour and can lead to imprisonment.
Throughout 2024, Daniel Nicholson has been seen repeatedly asking shoppers and visitors to the town centre for money, despite often having accessible accommodation nearby.
On 3 October, the 37-year-old appeared before Medway Magistrates’ Court where he pleaded guilty to eight breaches of a public space protection order. In January, Nicholson had also previously admitted to similar breaches (of a community protection notice) relating to almost 20 separate incidents.
An application from Kent Police for a Criminal Behaviour Order (CBO) was accepted by the court. It covers areas such as Week Street, High Street, King Street, Jubilee Square, and Mill Street and prohibits Nicholson from the following:
- Asking any person not known to him for money, food, or any other item.
- Sitting, lying, or loitering next to a cash machine, in doorways or similar for the purpose of begging.
- Using signs, containers, animals, or any other means for the purpose of begging.
The CBO also includes a requirement for Nicholson to engage with support services.
Sergeant Dan Bartlett said: ‘Nicholson has continued to beg for money even at times when he had access to safe and secure accommodation but would portray himself as homeless. His behaviour can be intimidating to those who encounter him and unfortunately, he has not been responsive to the support our officers and partners have tried to provide.
‘Applying for a CBO is not an action we take lightly; however, Nicholson has ignored a raft of previous measures and warnings and it is a necessary step to ensure residents, businesses and visitors to Maidstone are able to enjoy the town free from this sort of harassment. This order will give us greater powers to manage Nicholson’s offending and if he does continue to beg he faces the real prospect of a prison sentence.’
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