Man banned from Spalding town centre

A man has been banned from Spalding town centre and contacting council staff after a spate of anti-social behaviour including drinking in the street.

Matthew Bellerson received the interim injunction from the County Court at Lincoln last week after a judge ruled that his ongoing anti-social behaviour and threats of violence posed a significant risk of harm to staff of South Holland District Council and others who visit the town centre.

For legal reasons the council can’t say exactly what charges brought the court order which followed extended work between the council and South Holland Police following the reports and other anti-social behaviour incidents in Spalding.

An interim injunction is designed to tackle repeated and ongoing anti-social behaviour, and those subject to them have been given significant opportunities to modify their behaviour before one is sought.

Under the conditions of the injunction Mr Bellerson will be forbidden from:

• Engaging in any behaviour that causes or is likely to cause harassment, alarm and distress to any person within the South Holland District Council borough.
• Using, or threatening to use, violence or aggressive behaviour towards any officer or employee of South Holland District Council.
• Entering Spalding Town Centre whatsoever.
• Contacting directly or indirectly any staff of South Holland District Council unless through the customer service number.
• Consuming alcohol of any form within the area of the Spalding Public Spaces Protection Order.

These conditions will initially remain in force until 4pm on 28 January 2021 unless discharged or varied before that date.

There is a risk of arrest if conditions are viewed as having been breached in relation to causing harassment, alarm and distress or using or threatening violence against officer, employees or agents of South Holland district Council.

Coun Gary Taylor, portfolio holder for communities and facilities said: “Whilst it is always unfortunate when we reach the point of having to take serious action against an individual, I am pleased that we have been able to obtain this interim  injunction and hope it demonstrates the fact that we take anti-social behaviour seriously in the district.

“It is vital that the public report concerns through the correct channels to enable the council and the police to take the appropriate action like this, and I would like to thank all of those who have worked hard on this case for helping achieve this important result.”