Zimbabwean beggar banned from parts of UK

A Zimbabwean man has been banned from parts of Amesbury after repeatedly begging in public.

Tatenda Mushandu, 40, of Maple Way, was handed a three-year Criminal Behaviour Order (CBO) when he appeared at Salisbury Magistrates' Court on February 10. He had been convicted of four counts of persistent begging.

PC Emma Smith, from Amesbury's neighbourhood policing team, said the court had taken firm action in response to Mushandu's repeated offending. She said his behaviour had caused harassment, alarm and distress to members of the public, particularly those shopping and working in local retail outlets. The order, she added, would allow police to act swiftly should he breach any of its conditions.

Under the terms of the CBO, which runs until February 2029, Mushandu is prohibited from approaching members of the public to request donations or suggesting in any way that he needs money. He is also banned from sitting or loitering within 50 metres of any shop or business in Amesbury.

The order further prevents him from entering Solstice Park Services, including its car parks, footpaths and the areas between commercial premises within the retail park boundary. He is also barred from entering three specific stores in the town: the Co-op on Boscombe Road, the Co-op on Salisbury Street and the One Stop store on Sandell Place.

Police have advised members of the public to report any breaches of the order immediately as a crime in progress by calling 999. Callers are asked to provide Mushandu's name, a description of his clothing, his exact location and direction of travel if he has left the area, along with details of the alleged breach.

Wiltshire Police are also encouraging anyone with concerns about anti-social behaviour in their area to report it by calling 101, or 999 in an emergency.