Order stops prolific offender begging
ing the town centre imposed following earlier incidents.
Magistrates handed Richardson a two-year CBO banning her from approaching people and asking for money, sitting or loitering with a container and instructing anyone to do either on her behalf.
She was also told to complete a six-month community order, which will include 52 rehabilitation sessions, and pay a £60 victim surcharge and £180 criminal court charge. Additionally, she was given two further six-month community orders to run concurrently for breaching the orders.
Antisocial behaviour officer PC Jodie Hobbs of the Maidstone community safety unit said: “Isa Richardson is a well-known figure in Maidstone town centre but for all the wrong reasons.
“She has appeared in court on numerous occasions over the last few years, usually relating to her unacceptable behaviour towards members of the public.
“Richardson is a persistent beggar who targets the most vulnerable members of society, including a 12-year-old girl whom last March she intimidated into handing over the last of her pocket money, which amounted to just 15p.
“I am pleased we have been successful in our application to issue Richardson with Maidstone’s first Criminal Behaviour Order and hope she uses the restrictions placed upon her effectively and as a way of turning her life around.”