A PERSISTENT beggar who caused problems for people in Blackburn town centre has been banned from entering the Mall.

Owen Maughan, 30, of no fixed address, appeared at Blackburn Magistrates on January 8 where he was given a two-year conditional discharge for begging and handed a two year Criminal Behaviour Order after his anti social drinking and unpredictable behaviour became a nuisance.

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The order prohibits him from approaching anyone in Blackburn with Darwen to ask for money or gifts.

He must not consume alcohol in a public place other than in a licensed premises within Blackburn with Darwen and he must not enter Blackburn Mall or Blackburn Market.

PC Andy Duxbury said: “Maughan has been a constant menace disrupting the quality of life and causing much annoyance and upset for shop keepers and the general public in and around Blackburn town centre.

“He has failed to engage with support which was widely available to address his issues, which has forced our hand into taking this last resort to protect the public from his anti social behaviour.

“I hope this will go some way to help reassure people that we will not tolerate anti-social behaviour and anyone who gets involved in such behaviour will be dealt with.”