ASBO for beggar

Dean Langley, 25, is the first person in the area to be given an ASBO for begging.

He was given the ASBO after numerous complaints from members of the public were made to Sussex Police and the Safer Hastings Partnership's ASBO Unit over a period of several months.

Langley, who has no fixed abode, is also banned from using any foul or offensive language to any person.

He must not behave in any manner whereby harassment, alarm or distress is caused to anyone or is likely to be caused.

WPC Rachel Ling, police caseworker with the SHP's ASBO Unit, said: "We are committed to improving the quality of life for those who live, work and visit Hastings and St Leonards.

"The aggressive begging tactics of Dean Langley, subject of numerous calls to Sussex Police, have affected many people across Hastings and Bexhill over the past 14 months.

"That is why this Order under the Anti-Social Behaviour Act is proportionate and justified."

Nigel Barry, the SHP's ASBO Coordinator, added: "This ASBO was achieved after extensive inquiries conducted mainly by WPC Rachel Ling, and is an excellent example of joint agency working to stamp out anti-social behaviour our town."