A MAN with a history of offending has appeared in court to have his Criminal Behaviour Order varied to include Penzance town centre.

Shane Arthur, aged 27, attended Truro Magistrates' Court on Monday, when an application was made jointly by Cornwall Council’s Anti-Social Behaviour Team and Devon & Cornwall Police to vary his existing Criminal Behaviour Order.

Cornwall Council’s portfolio holder for public protection Sue James said: “Anti-social behaviour can be unpleasant and upsetting to witness and when reported, the Police and Council staff take the matter seriously. I am pleased that the Courts have supported our actions.

“It is intended that the order, and associated positive requirement to engage with Addaction, will help others to go about their daily lives, whilst supporting Mr Arthur to put some structure and responsibility back into his life.

“We want residents in Cornwall to have the confidence and reassurance to report anti-social behaviour.

Reporting this type of behaviour will assist in making our towns a more pleasant place to socialise and live. Should you witness any breaches of the orders, please contact the police using the 101 number or in cases of any emergency dial 999.”

The application was made by agencies following a number of reports to the police about his disorderly behaviour in Penzance town centre, including a public order offence which resulted in his arrest on November 19.

The order now prohibits Arthur from the following behaviours in Penzance town centre, as well as Truro city centre and Camborne town centre:

1) Being in possession of a butane gas canister or butane gas;

2) Consuming aerosol or butane substances;

3) Being found in possession of an open container of alcohol in any public place save in licensed premises or the beer garden provided by the licensed premises;

4) Approaching any persons unknown to Arthur to ask for money;

5) Using any swear words or make threats or cause an obstruction which would, by doing so, cause any person to feel harassed, alarmed or distressed in any public place.

Failure to comply with the court order is a criminal offence which could result in a fine of up to £5000 and/or a prison sentence of up to five years.

The order, which is in place for a further two years, also contains a positive requirement for Arthur to attend and engage with Addaction.

Cornwall Council’s Anti-Social Behaviour Team and Devon & Cornwall Police continue to work collectively with partners from Safer Penzance to tackle anti-social behaviour in Penzance town centre.