Man given five-year ban, for aggressive begging

Wednesday, 27 December 2017 07:00

A man who has been persistently involved in aggressive begging in Leeds city centre despite having a home has been given a five-year order, banning him from begging anywhere in the Leeds district.

David Braithwaite, aged 43, was given a Criminal Behaviour Order when he appeared at Leeds Magistrates Court where he pleaded guilty to breaching dispersal orders.

The move comes as a result of work by officers from Operation Leodis – a team funded by Leeds City Council to tackle mainly housing-related anti-social behaviour.

Braithwaite, had been begging in Bradford city centre since 2013 and moved to Leeds city centre in 2015. He is frequently seen reaching out to passers-by asking for money and portraying himself as homeless. Checks confirmed he lives at an address in Hunslet and receives housing benefit and employment and support allowance.

Chief Inspector Nick Ireland, of the city’s community safety partnership team said: “It is important that we take a balanced approach, enforcement action is always the last resort. Helping those in genuine need remains a key focus of the partnership work carried out by the police, council and third sector agencies. Unfortunately, there are those that refuse to engage and persist in aggressive begging behaviour that has a detrimental effect on the lives of other people and on the individuals, themselves.”

More from Local and National News

Two Brothers Jailed for Raping 12-Year-Old Girl in Bradford

Two men have been sentenced to lengthy prison terms for raping a child in Bradford, following a conviction at Bradford Crown Court.
Building at Bradford Royal Infirmary Renamed in Honour of Renowned Surgeon

Bradford Royal Infirmary has renamed the Listening for Life Centre after pioneering ear surgeon Professor Chris Raine MBE, who has restored hearing for hundreds across the North of England.
Airedale Nurse Shortlisted for National Neonatal Award

Airedale NHS Foundation Trust nurse Chloe Taylor has been named a finalist for Neonatal Nurse of the Year, recognising her work supporting families through trauma-informed care.
Sowerby Bridge’s New Community Hub Opens to Praise

A new town square has opened in Sowerby Bridge, transforming the former market site into a welcoming space for events, markets and community life.
Bradford Council Offers Compromise on Ilkley Parking Plans

Following strong opposition to proposed parking changes in Ilkley, Bradford Council has put forward a revised plan that keeps a free one-hour option in parts of the town.
Police and Council Step Up Action on Anti-Social Behaviour

West Yorkshire Police and Wakefield Council are intensifying efforts to crack down on crime and anti-social behaviour through a joint taskforce and new enforcement measures.
Manningham Housing Association Shortlisted for Three National Awards

Bradford-based Manningham Housing Association has been named a finalist in three categories at the Housing Executive Awards, including Housing Association of the Year.
Bradford University Staff to Strike Over Job Cuts

University of Bradford staff will strike for 10 days from 22 September in protest against planned redundancies, disrupting the start of the new academic year.
Bradford NHS Teams Shortlisted for National ‘Healthcare Oscars’

Two Bradford Teaching Hospitals teams have been nominated for prestigious HSJ Awards, recognising their innovation in staff wellbeing and patient care.
Bradford Man Fined £20k for Planning Breach

A Bradford property owner has been ordered to pay over £20,000 after failing to comply with a Planning Enforcement Notice for unauthorised works in a conservation area.
Halifax Leisure Centre Project Breaks Ground

Preparatory work has begun at North Bridge for Halifax’s new £multi-million leisure centre, marking a major step toward delivering modern, inclusive and sustainable facilities for health, wellbeing and community life.
Brighouse Parklets Find New Homes in Rastrick

Two community parklets originally installed in Brighouse town centre have been relocated to Rastrick Juniors Football Club and Rastrick Bowling Club, ensuring the spaces continue to benefit local people after being moved to make way for the town’s new market.

Listener Club

Get more with the Listener Club!

Remix Saturdays

Every Saturday evening we turn to remixes of hit songs to get you in the Saturday night party mood! Every Saturday between 5pm - 8pm
Legal Show

Once a fortnight we dedicate a show to discussing legal issues and family / matrimonial law in particular. Alternate Friday mornings between 9am-11pm.
The Golden Era

The golden era of Bollywood celebrated in this weekly show full of classics taking you back in time. Every Sunday between 5pm - 7pm
Bhangra Nights

Get over the Weekday blues - Every Tuesday night is party night with the best Bhangra and Urban Asian Beats. The Bhangra Show every Tuesday between 8pm-11pm