Repeat offender handed two year behaviour order and prison sentence for street drinking and burglary

A repeat offender of anti-social behaviour in Stockton Town Centre has been handed a Criminal Behaviour Order (CBO) for street drinking, foul language and sentenced to four months in prison for burglary.

Scott Pugh, 51, was jailed for four months after he broke into ARC Stockton on 16 January and stole a quantity of drinks worth over £400.

Pugh, of no fixed abode, was also issued with a CBO at sentencing at Teesside Magistrates Court on 3 April 2024 following continuous breaches of the Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) in place in Stockton Town Centre.

The PSPO was introduced by Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council to help prevent anti-social behaviour for aggressive begging and street drinking.  

Pugh's regular breaches included alcohol use within the town centre, anti-social behaviour, verbal abuse towards enforcement officers and police staff, as well as shoplifting.

The CBO remains in place for two years.

Carolyn Nice, the Council's Director of Adults, Health and Wellbeing, said: "Our message is clear, we will not tolerate unacceptable behaviour like Mr Pugh's. The town centre is for everyone to enjoy and anyone who behaves like this will face punishment.

"Mr Pugh's repeat offending was causing distress to people visiting the town and to our town centre businesses who were having to deal with the consequences of his actions on a regular basis. We have worked with Cleveland Police and Stockton BID to secure this two year order.

"Please continue to report any anti-social behaviour concerns you have to our Civic Enforcement team, who can be reached on 01642 528439 or by emailing civic.enforcement@stockton.gov.uk."

Chief Inspector Dan Heron, from Stockton's Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: "Pugh is a prolific offender who believes he is above the law. 

"While he sits in prison for a few months, we must make plans to prevent his offending when he is ultimately released.

"The criminal behaviour order is one tool we can use as a deterrent but also to aggravate and increase any sentencing he gets in the future. 

"This is part of our continued commitment to make Stockton and the town centre an even safer place for people who live, work and visit the area. We are not going to stop here, we know there are a cohort of similar offenders and they are in our sights."

Jason Maxwell, Manager at Stockton BID, said: "This successful prosecution highlights the effectiveness of our collaborative efforts in Stockton.

"Our Crime Partnership, involving local enforcement, the Council, police and local businesses has been instrumental in addressing disruptive behaviour.

"We stand united with local businesses in our commitment to fostering a welcoming atmosphere in the town centre. This sends a strong message that we do not tolerate anti-social behaviour and are prepared to take action. Thank you to all the partners involved for their tireless work towards achieving this outcome."

You can find out more by visiting the dedicated Enforcement page on the Council's website