Prison sentence and town centre ban for repeat anti-social behaviour offender

A repeat offender of anti-social behaviour in Stockton Town Centre has been sentenced to 12 weeks in prison and banned from entering Parish Gardens.

Danielle Nellis was handed a Criminal Behaviour Order (CBO) at Teesside Magistrates' Court on Monday (March 3) following a case brought forward by Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council.

The Court heard how Nellis had continually breached the Council's Public Space Protection Order, which has been in place in Stockton Town Centre since 2023.

As well as being repeatedly found in possession of alcohol, the 42-year-old was also abusive to enforcement officers on a number of separate occasions.

The CBO granted forbids Nellis from being in a group of more than two people in Stockton Town Centre or entering Parish Gardens for two years.

And Nellis was also jailed for 12 weeks for a public order offence.

Councillor Norma Stephenson, Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council's Cabinet Member for Access, Communities and Community Safety, said: "Our town centres have so much to offer and are there for everyone to enjoy. The message is clear that this sort of unacceptable behaviour will simply not be tolerated.

"The CBO issued comes as part of our work alongside partners such as Cleveland Police and businesses in the area on 'Operation Shield', to help ensure visitors to our town centre have a safe and enjoyable experience.

"As part of Operation Shield, there'll be patrols by Enforcement and Police colleagues which will help reassure residents and allow them to relax and enjoy everything the town centre has to offer.

"Of course, you can 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 Andy Evans, from Stockton's neighbourhood policing team, said: "We know anti-social behaviour is a big concern to the community and we are doing all we can to utilise various powers that will deter and prevent people from committing it.

"Nellis is an example of the various methods we can use to ensure members of the public can visit or work in and around the town centre knowing it is safe and to have an enjoyable time.

"If anyone sees her in Parish Gardens, or with more than two people, upon her release from prison I would advise you to get in touch as soon as possible.

"I would also encourage members of the public to keep reporting individuals causing anti-social behaviour that will go a long way in helping us to keep taking this action." 

Jason Maxwell, Manager at Stockton BID, said: "This CBO highlights the effectiveness of our collaborative efforts in Stockton Town Centre and working together with the Council and its Enforcement team, 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.