Efforts by the Weymouth and Portland Neighbourhood Policing Team (NPT) have resulted in a man being jailed after he breached a Criminal Behaviour Order (CBO) imposed following a series of offences in Weymouth town centre.
Nicholas Gardner, 44, was previously made subject to a five-year CBO secured by the NPT. The order followed a number of incidents in the town, including shoplifting, thefts and drug-related offences.
The order, which remains in place until 31 March 2031, includes several restrictions on Gardner’s behaviour and excludes him from entering specified areas of Weymouth.
However, on Thursday 20 August, Gardner was located in Commercial Road, an area he was prohibited from entering under the terms of the CBO.
Officers arrested Gardner and he was subsequently charged with breaching the court order.
The following day, Friday 21 August, Gardner appeared before Weymouth Magistrates’ Court, where he pleaded guilty to the breach. He was sentenced to eight weeks in prison.
Sergeant Alice Edgar, of Weymouth NPT, said the sentence demonstrated that persistent offending and breaches of court orders would not be tolerated.
“Our officers have worked relentlessly to pursue this individual, gather evidence, and take action wherever criminality has occurred,” she said.
She also thanked members of the local community for continuing to provide information and engage with officers, saying that reports from residents were “incredibly important” in helping police build the picture needed to take positive action.
The NPT said it would continue to use all available powers and measures to disrupt criminality and tackle those who cause harm in local communities.
Sergeant Edgar added: “We will continue to pursue those who cause harm in our neighbourhoods and use every tool available to us to disrupt criminality and make our communities safer.
“This result should reassure residents that we are listening, we are taking action, and we will continue our relentless pursuit of those responsible for offending.”
The case highlights the consequences of breaching a CBO, which can result in a criminal prosecution and imprisonment. Police have encouraged local residents to continue reporting concerns and providing information to help officers tackle persistent offending in Weymouth.
