Criminal Behaviour Order for anti-social behaviour in church grounds

A 63-year-old man has been issued with a Criminal Behaviour Order 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 Criminal Behaviour Order at Leeds Magistrates’ Court on 11 December 2025.

It followed joint action by Wakefield Council and West Yorkshire Police.

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 10 December 2028. Breach of a Criminal Behaviour Order is an offence and could result in a prison sentence.

Inspector Glen Costello, of the Wakefield East Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: “The use of Criminal Behaviour Orders 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.” 

To crack down on issues affecting people in the city centre, the Council and West Yorkshire Police have recently joined with partners to launch the Wakefield City Anti-Social Behaviour Task Force.

For information:

In 2024-25 the council successfully applied for 32 Criminal Behaviour Orders. Had 4 Public Spaces Protection Orders in place. And issued 164 fixed penalty notices for anti-social and nuisance behaviour.

In addition to an increase in neighbourhood police patrols, two extra enforcement officers have also been successfully funded, and extra patrols have already started. This additional presence on the streets will help to respond to issues and make people feel safer.

Wakefield Council has strengthened its commitment to tackling anti-social behaviour by extending the conditions and location of the Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) in Wakefield city centre, which is now in force. This is to tackle persistent issues such as street drinking, drug use and erratic behaviour that negatively impact public spaces.