Colchester 'nuisance' beggar banned from town centre

Neville Dickinson, 69, was hit with a criminal behaviour order in December 2019 banning him from begging in Colchester town centre.

Ipswich Crown Court heard Dickinson breached the order on six occasions in July and August last year.

He approached members of the public in Colchester town centre during busy daylight hours, requesting money and “swearing and grumbling under his breath” when refused.

The court heard Dickinson has a list of previous convictions spanning back to 1964, comprising 177 convictions for 345 offences.

He also acted in breach of a suspended prison sentence imposed in June last year for breaching an anti-social behaviour order.

Donal Lawler, mitigating, said: “On the face of it one looks at Mr Dickinson’s record and one’s jaw hits the ground.”

Mr Lawler said his client has the “unenviable” distinction of having been the oldest surviving street drinker in Colchester.

He added: “He is a long-standing addict in the form of alcohol for several decades now.”

But the court heard thanks to the help of two “heroic” support workers, Dickinson has secured a flat outside of Colchester and has eased his addiction.

Mr Lawler said: “After such a long, long period there are glimmers, or more than glimmers, of positivity again.”

The barrister called on Judge David Pugh to spare Dickinson prison in order to continue his rehabilitation.

He said: “Custody would be a backwards step for not just the community, but for Mr Dickinson himself.”

Judge Pugh said: “You are a thorough nuisance.

“I wish I could tell you how much it costs every time you go through the criminal justice system.

“You must have cost this country an absolute fortune and here we are, another six breaches.”

He imposed an eight-month prison sentence, suspended for 24 months, and imposed a 30-day rehabilitation activity requirement.

Dickinson, of Ayloffe Road, was banned from entering Colchester town centre.