A persistent beggar frequently seen on the streets of Nottingham posing as a Big Issue seller is now the subject of an injunction due to his verbally abusive and threatening behaviour toward citizens and city officers.
Tristian Clayton, aged 36, of Dale Street, Sneinton, Nottingham, failed to attend Nottingham County Court on Friday 5 February and the application was approved and a one-year Civil Anti Social Behaviour Injunction granted in his absence.
The order prohibits Clayton from verbally abusing, threatening or intimidating any person or being in possession of the Big Issue magazine or attempting to sell it in a public place without being an authorised vendor or having a valid licence.
Clayton has repeatedly used the charity Big Issue Magazine as a tool to beg for many years. Clayton was not authorised but would claim to be so, offering for sale out-of-date magazines or magazines not endorsed or sold by the Big Issue. Whilst rogue vending, Clayton would continue to beg for cash, ask passers-by for money for food while under the influence and in possession of alcohol. This behaviour generated complaints from members of the public and city centre businesses who would witness this intimidating behaviour on a daily basis.
Community Protection’s enforcement team liaised with Nottinghamshire Police, the Big Issue Foundation and witnesses from those businesses affected by Clayton’s behaviour and gathered evidence of the alarm, harassment and distress caused by him in Nottingham city centre. Referrals to the appropriate drug and alcohol support agencies were also made to address the underlying causes of his behaviour.
This course of action was taken to provide not only businesses and members of the public respite from his aggressive behaviour, but also the Big Issue themselves who work hard to support their authorised vendors in tackling their vulnerable lifestyles, as they had previously tried many times with Clayton himself.
Other impending prosecutions will follow to secure similar convictions to protect the public from further persistent offenders who are also abusing the goodwill and generous nature of residents and visitors alike.
Nottingham City Council leader, Councillor Jon Collins said: “We will not tolerate begging and the associated antisocial behaviour in our city, when we have ample facilities and agencies in the city to help those who are truly vulnerable.
“This is another good result from the Community Protection teams who have put powers in place to deal with this individual and his behaviour towards others.”