Man prevented from going to Newport and Brynmawr shopping centres

Ross Edwards, 30, was issued with a two-year criminal behaviour order (CBO) preventing him from entering shopping centres in Brynmawr and Newport due to his anti-social behaviour.

He was handed the notice after appearing at Newport Magistrates Court on Tuesday  December 5 after he was arrested by officers in Newport in October and found to be in breach of his community protection notice.

The order also stipulates that he cannot beg from any person in a public place in Wales while the order is in effect.

PC Michael Hiscox said: “The persistent anti-social behaviour of this individual has had a detrimental effect on the local communities in Brynmawr and Newport.

“Edwards was arrested after he had failed to adhere to his community protection warning and after multiple breaches of his community protection notice, the only option remaining for us was to apply for a CBO.

“Before reaching that point, we work with our partners to try and engage and support individuals such as Edwards to stop the behaviour which presents a problem to the public.

“We’re committed to making both Brynmawr and Newport safe and pleasant places for all and enforcing this order is a part of that.”

The three requirements of Edwards’ CBO are:

• Not to enter the areas containing the Friars Walk shopping centre, Commercial Street, the Kingsway centre and other areas, save for appointments with his solicitor.

• Not to enter Brynmawr retail park, Blaina Road, Brynmawr, Blaenau Gwent, save for appointments with his solicitor.

• Not to beg from any person in a public place within Wales, including but not limited to money/cigarettes/food either openly, passively by your behaviours or actions including placing items on the floor in which to collect money.