Power of arrest added to persistent beggar's Anti-Social Behaviour Injunction

A power of arrest has been added to a persistent Gloucester beggar's Anti-Social Behaviour Injunction following several breaches of the conditions.

Sonya Kirby, aged 44 and of no fixed abode, was previously given the order after numerous reports that she was loitering in the doorways of local businesses and begging for money from members of the public.

The case was brought against Kirby by Solace, a joint team of officers from Gloucestershire Constabulary, Cheltenham Borough Council and Gloucester City Council.

The Anti-Social Behaviour Injunction, which had a power of arrest added on 4 June, forbids Kirby from:

1. Engaging in conduct that causes or is capable of causing alarm or harassment or distress to any person within the city of Gloucester;
2. Begging at any time within the city of Gloucester;
3. Obstructing or partially obstructing the highway by sitting, standing or squatting on the footpath or street, or public highway within the city of Gloucester, with any receptacle for collecting money or with her arm/hand outstretched;
4. Entering the area outlined blue on a map at any time save for attending a pre-arranged appointment in writing with the Nelson Trust;

The injunction, which has a power of arrest if breached, will remain in place until 1 November 2024 and officers are asking any who witnesses Kirby breaching any of the conditions to call police on 101.