Persistent offender sent to prison for breaching criminal behaviour order

A 51-year-old man issued with a two-year criminal behaviour order following persistent anti-social behaviour and begging in Corby has been sent to prison.

Mark Weems, of Dorking Walk, Corby, was sentenced to 52-weeks in prison after he pleaded guilty to breaching his criminal behaviour order issued by Northampton Magistrates’ Court last month (May 7).

Northamptonshire Police successfully applied for the order following numerous complaints to the Corby Neighbourhood Policing Team about his aggressive behaviour when begging in the town centre.

A criminal behaviour order is a civil order designed to tackle the most serious and persistent anti-social individuals. Weems order states he must not:

• Enter Corby town centre and Willow Place Shopping Centre where he has already been given a banning notice from
• Approach persons and ask for money (including food, money or material goods) in any street, road, public place or place to which the public have access to within Northamptonshire
• Enter any premises which he is banned or excluded from within Northamptonshire
• Remain on any premises when asked to leave by a member of staff or persons with authority to make such request within Northamptonshire.

On Tuesday (June 2), Weems was arrested near his home on the Kingswood estate, following complaints from members of the public that he had been seen in the town centre on May 26, 28, 29 and June 1, approaching people for money.

He was subsequently charged with four breaches of his criminal behaviour order and one count of possession of a Class B drug (amphetamine), which was found in his sock during his arrest.

Weems appeared at Northampton Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday (June 3), where he pleaded guilty to all five offences and due to his flagrant disregard for the law, he was handed the prison sentence and ordered to pay £85 in court costs and £187 victim surcharge.

PC Holly Campbell of Corby Neighbourhood Policing Team said: “Mark Weems is a prolific aggressive beggar, usually targeting the most vulnerable members of our community, and his persistent anti-social behaviour has had a detrimental impact on the daily lives of those who work or come to visit the town.

“We have exhausted all other avenues to try and intervene with his behaviour, and we hope this custodial sentence will not only provide a respite for the community from Weems but also gives him the opportunity to get the support he needs to stop his offending.”

Reporting anti-social behaviour and finding support:

If you’re affected by ASB, please don’t suffer in silence. Reporting it allows the police and partners to see what’s happening, and take steps to protect and support you, as well as address the behaviour itself.

Information on ASB, including how to report it, is available here: Antisocial behaviour | Northamptonshire Police.

Report non-emergency incidents via 101, or call 999 in an emergency, where a crime is in progress or life is at risk.

Voice provides free support to victims and witnesses of crime, including ASB. Find out and access help here: Voice Northants | Voice for Victims & Witnesses.