Court jails 'persistent beggar'

A beggar has been jailed for two months for breaching a court order banning him from entering certain parts of Middlesbrough town centre.

Paul Morrison, 39, from Hartlepool, who changed his name by deed poll to Geordie Boye, was made the subject of an interim anti-social behaviour order.

Allegations of drunken violence, and abusive and threatening behaviour had been made against him by the public.

Morrison was arrested and sent to prison after complaints continued.

Sgt Ian Sharpe, of Middlesbrough Community Safety Team, said: "Together with the local authority and members of the public, we have gathered enough evidence about this man's unacceptable behaviour.

"This prison sentence should send out the strongest message that we will not tolerate such behaviour."