Man who lived in a tent in a churchyard and used graves as ‘a toilet’ handed criminal behaviour order
A 63-year-old man has been issued with a criminal behaviour order (CBO) for anti-social behaviour in Castleford town centre, including threatening behaviour in church grounds.
Darren Swain of Harropwell Lane, Pontefract, was given a three-year CBO at Leeds Magistrates’ Court.
It followed joint action by Wakefield Council and West Yorkshire Police.
Coun Daniel Wilton, Wakefield Council’s cabinet member for communities, said: “We want our district to be a safe and welcoming place for everyone, and we will not tolerate any form of harassment.
“It is completely unacceptable for anyone to make threats and behave in an anti-social way. We’re very clear that anyone who acts in this way will face the consequences of their actions.”
Mr Swain has a lengthy criminal record with 11 convictions for being drunk and disorderly in Castleford town centre.
The CBO comes after he spent months living in a tent in the grounds of All Saints Church, Castleford.
He used graves as a toilet and threatened people attending church.
Under the terms of the CBO Mr Swain is not allowed to enter Castleford town centre and adjoining roads and locations that include Lower Oxford Street, Bridge Street, Lock Lane and Savile Road, except when attending pre-arranged appointments such as with solicitors, police, dentist, doctor or as directed by the court.
After the appointment he must leave the area immediately or as soon as possible.
He is not allowed to consume alcohol or have an open vessel containing alcohol in a public place in the Wakefield district.
The CBO is in place until December 10, 2028.
Breach of a CBO is an offence and could result in a prison sentence.
Inspector Glen Costello, of the Wakefield East Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: “The use of CBOs is just one example of how we work in partnership to take positive action against those who seek to cause harm and distress in our communities through criminal and anti-social behaviour.
“Swain has been served with strict conditions which he must abide by for the duration of his order. Failing to abide by these conditions could result in him being sent to prison and I would urge anyone to report potential breaches.”