Pair handed Criminal Behaviour Orders

When individuals repeatedly come to our attention despite intensive support from officers and partner agencies, a Criminal Behaviour Order (CBO) is applied for.

The banning orders help us protect the rest of our communities, who want to live and work without fear of antisocial behaviour, violence and crime.

And two criminals recently became to subject to their very own CBOs following disgusting anti-social behaviour in Spennymoor, Ferryhill, Bishop Auckland and Darlington.

Jonathan Armstrong has committed a string of shop thefts and criminal damage across retail premises in the south of the county over the last eight months.

The 31-year-old, of no fixed abode, has been in court several times and last week was handed an eight-week prison sentence following his latest shop left – a crate of lager from Asda.

Not only was he ordered to pay compensation, but officers were also granted a ten-year CBO with tailored conditions officers feel will protect the public.

Joining him is Allan Saleh who was also in court on June 22 after being charged with two counts of criminal damage and breaking his bail conditions.

The 51-year-old, of Ferryhill, decided to go to trial after he damaged police vehicles at Ferryhill Police Station in May.

Unfortunately for him, CCTV footage clearly showed him committing the offences and he was found guilty of all charges and handed a six-week suspended sentence for 12 months as well as being ordered to pay more than £800 in compensation.

Officers were also again successful in applying for a five-year CBO.

Neighbourhood inspector Paul Mawson said: “Criminal behaviour orders are just one of the tools we use to make our communities safer.

“Our team have worked tirelessly to keep putting Armstrong back before the courts so we are glad to see he is finally behind bars and hope this gives some respite to our businesses.

“The team will also be monitoring Saleh closely and making sure he complies with his order.

“Anyone who continues to continue to commit anti-social behaviour will be brought before the courts and dealt with.”