Matson man handed Anti-Social Behaviour Injunction

A man who has repeatedly drunk on the streets, engaged in fights and intimidated the public in Matson has been handed a civil Anti-Social Behaviour Injunction (ASBI).

Ashley Markey, aged 44 and of Matson, was served with the injunction last month after the order was ratified by Cheltenham and Gloucester County Court.

It follows numerous incidents during which Markey engaged in heavy street drinking, public order offences, theft, intimidation of shop staff, and fighting with other street drinkers outside the Matson shops.

Members of the public reported being intimidated by Markey and his group, who persisted in their anti-social behaviour, sometimes in the presence of young children.

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

Solace officer Matt Roberts said: "Markey has been a source of disruption in Matson for some time. He thought nothing of threatening shop staff when they challenged his shoplifting, and has engaged in violent behaviour on multiple occasions.

"This injunction is an effort to curtail this conduct, and an attempt at encouraging the community to feel safe to use the shops and other facilities available locally."

Sergeant Tom Francis, of Gloucester Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: "This latest injunction is another example that anti-social behaviour will not be tolerated.

"We are committed to working alongside the local community, its residents and partner agencies to combat levels of behaviour that cause misery to the public or prohibit the use of public spaces through fear or intimidation.

"We will continue to seek to pursue and prosecute those responsible and I hope that this order and others like it are a clear demonstration of that."

The civil injunction order imposed by the courts forbids Markey (whether by himself or by instructing or encouraging or permitting any other person) from:

1. Engaging in conduct which causes or is capable of causing alarm or harassment or distress to any person within the city of Gloucester;

2. Using or threatening to use violence towards any person with the city of Gloucester;

3. Being in a public place with an open bottle or open can or cup or glass containing alcohol within the city of Gloucester;

4. Publicly associating with several named individuals;

5. Entering or being in the area of the shops in Matson.

The order runs until 21 June 2024 with Markey facing the possibility of arrest if he breaks any of the conditions.

Anyone witnessing Markey breaching his ASBI are asked to contact the police on 101 or to fill in the following online form: www.gloucestershire.police.uk/contact/af/contact-us/contact-us-to-discuss-something-else/