Ashford man banned from town centre over antisocial behaviour

A Criminal Behaviour Order has been issued to a man responsible for repeated antisocial behaviour in Ashford, which bans him from the High Street for three years.

Frank Smith, 55, repeatedly ignored the warnings he was given regarding his behaviour after drinking alcohol excessively in public and congregating in large groups in the town centre.

Notices issued

In February 2024, Smith was convicted of affray and, in July 2024, admitted to common assault and harassment following an incident at Tesco Express.

Smith was issued with several Community Protection Notices (CPN) by police in relation to his behaviour, prohibiting him from drinking alcohol in the town centre and from being rude and abusive. Despite being informed that he could be prosecuted should he fail to comply with the requirements of a CPN, Smith persisted in nuisance behaviour.

Court order granted

Following Smith’s arrest for breaching a CPN on 4 September 2024, officers successfully applied for a Criminal Behaviour Order (CBO) from the court, which came into effect on 19 September 2024.

The terms of the CBO state that Smith is banned from Ashford High Street for three years. He is further prohibited from being drunk in any public place; from having an open container of alcohol and from being in a group of more than three people. Smith is also ordered to engage with an alcohol rehabilitation programme.

A breach of the CBO constitutes a criminal offence, meaning Smith could be re-sentenced at court should he not comply with the order.

PC Chris Green said: ‘Everyone has the right to feel safe while out and about in their community and antisocial behaviour is at odds with that, making life miserable for the people who experience it. We will use all the powers we have to stamp out antisocial behaviour and to prevent members of the public from being intimidated by offenders. ‘Smith ignored all the warnings that were given to him and opportunities he had to change, persisting in nuisance behaviour that was affecting residents, visitors and businesses in Ashford. I’m very pleased that we have succeeded in obtaining the CBO, making it clear that this conduct will not be tolerated. ‘I would encourage anyone experiencing antisocial behaviour to report it to us so that robust action can be taken.’