Two men receive Criminal Behaviour Orders

Two men have been issued with Criminal Behaviour Orders for persistent shop-lifting and anti-social behaviour after joint action was taken by Wakefield Council and West Yorkshire Police.

Gareth Canning, aged 42, of Kirkby Close, South Kirkby, was given a three-year Criminal Behaviour Order at Leeds Magistrates’ Court on 15 July 2024.

The Criminal Behaviour Order prevents Mr Canning from entering the zone within the South Elmsall area which is contained by the following streets: Minsthorpe Lane to Dale Lane, Doncaster Road to the disused railway line and Frickley Lane back to the railway line. Except when attending pre-arranged appointments with solicitors, the police, dentist, doctors or as directed by the court, when he must take a direct route to and from the appointment and leave the area immediately or as soon as reasonably practicable.

He must also not remain on any retail premises in the Wakefield district if asked to leave by staff.

The CBO remains in force until midnight 14 July 2027.

Mark Antony Scoffins, aged 38, of Lodge Avenue, Castleford, was given a two-year Criminal Behaviour Order and sentenced to 32 weeks in prison at Leeds Magistrates’ Court on 17 July 2024.

The Criminal Behaviour Order prevents Mr Scoffins from remaining on any retail premises in the Wakefield district if asked to leave by staff. He can also not enter Castleford town centre except when attending prearranged appointments such as with solicitors, court, police, dentist, doctor or as directed by the court, when he must take a direct route to and from the appointment and leave the area immediately or as soon as practicably possible after the appointment ends, or except when travelling through Castleford on public transport.

He cannot consume alcohol in a public place, be in possession of any open vessel containing alcohol in a public place or to be found drunk in a public place save from when on licenced premises within the Wakefield area or ask another person for money in the Wakefield district except as part of a contract of employment or legitimate benefit claim or a retail purchase or banking transition.

The CBO remains in force until midnight 16 July 2026.

Inspector Glen Costello, of Wakefield East Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: “I hope that residents and retailers are reassured by the positive action we are taking with Wakefield Council against those involved in persistent anti-social behaviour which I know causes concern in our communities. 
 
“These CBOs puts conditions on these individuals, and I would urge anyone who witnesses any potential breach of these conditions to report it. Breach of a CBO is a serious offence which can result in a prison sentence.”