A PERSISTENT beggar who repeatedly asked for money despite not being homeless has been banned from the town centre.

Thomas Roy was handed a community protection notice last year which banned him from begging, being aggressive, shouting or swearing in Colchester town centre.

The 51-year-old was also barred from being intoxicated, intimidating, insulting or touching people but breached the notice several times between November and January.

He was arrested last week and charged with seven breached of failing to comply with the order and was scheduled to appear in court later this month.

But he breached bail conditions and his court date was brought forward where he admitted to six of the breaches and not complying with bail conditions.

Roy, of Montgomery Close, Colchester, has now been made made subject to a two year criminal behaviour order, which bans him from entering Colchester town centre except to attend pre-arranged medical, legal or other appointments for professional-related matters.

Sgt Martin Willsher said: “His persistent anti-social behaviour was having a big impact on the quality of life for people visiting, living and working in the town centre.

“Roy also exploited the generosity of members of the public and claimed to be homeless, even though he wasn’t.

“Through the Safer Colchester Partnership, we work with agencies, charities and community groups, to support people who are in genuine need of help.

“But we will not tolerate anti-social behaviour or aggressive begging, as in Roy’s case.

“We are committed to making Colchester a safe and enjoyable place to live, work and socialise and this is at the core of the Town Centre Action Plan we are working in partnership with the council on.

“I hope that this court result will be a warning to anyone that intends on carrying out activities like this in the town centre that it will not be tolerated and expect to see members of Team Ten on a regular basis.”

Colchester Council's public safety boss Mike Lilley (Lab) added: “I am pleased that our joint effort is bearing fruit and is helping to remove those blighting our town centre with antisocial behaviour from the area.

“We want a safer and crime-free town centre that people can enjoy and results like this play a big part in helping us achieve that."