A SERIAL offender has been slapped with a three-year Anti-Social Behaviour Order (Asbo) banning him from begging on the streets of Gwent.

Damien Victor Lynn was given the Asbo which prevents him from begging in any public place and he cannot enter certain city streets at specified times.

This includes, but is not limited to, asking anyone for money, drugs, alcohol, cigarettes and food.

Lynn, 37, is not allowed to enter Bridge Street, Westgate Square, High Street, Commercial Street and Commercial Road, on the post office side, between Tredegar Street and Albert Street, all in Newport between 7pm and 7am.

The order also bans him from engaging or threatening to engage in any conduct capable of causing alarm, harassment or distress in Gwent and from injecting drugs or discharging hypodermic needles in a public place.

Lynn, of Pill, Newport, has notched up 51 convictions for a raft of offences including begging, shoplifting, drug use and intimidation.

PC Paula Spence, Crime and Disorder Reduction Officer for Newport, applied for the ASBO in a bid to curtail his anti-social behaviour.

It was granted at Caerphilly Magistrates’ Court, which heard victims and witness gave evidence anonymously because they feared repercussions.

Police say Lynn has a reputation for intimidation and believe that many crimes have gone unreported as a result.

PC Paula Spence said: "We hope this Asbo reassures residents and sends a clear message to those acting in an anti-social manner, that this type of behaviour will not be tolerated.

"We will use every type of legislation available to stop this type of activity and ensure that residents in Newport can live in peace."

The ASBO is in place until July 10, 2016. If it is breached in any way Lynn could be sent to prison for up to five years.

Anyone who witnesses any breach of an Asbo is asked to report it to Gwent Police on 101.