Police have warned that “aggressive begging” in Huddersfield town centre will not be tolerated.

Sgt Mandy Mellor, who leads the town centre policing team, spoke out after beggar William Riley, 35, was banned from town for two years.

It is believed Riley is the first person to be banned from the whole of the town centre under a Criminal Behaviour Order.

The order was imposed by Kirklees magistrates who were told that Riley approached people – often women – asking for money.

When they refused to give him any he would swear at them and become threatening and abusive.

Sgt. Mandy Mellor
Sgt. Mandy Mellor

Sgt Mellor said begging in the town centre was a nuisance for the public and traders alike and she welcomed the tough action of magistrates.

“We have received a lot of complaints and we do take begging seriously,” she said. “This sends out a message that begging will not be tolerated.”

Riley, of Bishop’s Court, Berry Brow, admitted two charges of begging in a public place, near the Imperial Arcade and outside Huddersfield Railway Station.

The offences were brought under the Vagrancy Act 1824.

The court heard that Riley had a long-term problem with heroin and crack cocaine. He had tried to tried to tackle his problems but had a relapse.

Riley can only come inside the Huddersfield town centre ring road to attend an appointment with his solicitor, drugs counselling service Lifeline, Kirklees Council or the JobCentre.

Last week police and other agencies joined forces in a day of action to help homeless people on the streets of Huddersfield.