‘Nuisance’ beggar slapped with ban

Police have welcomed a criminal order handed to a city centre nuisance after her anti-social behaviour escalated.

Officers and Sunderland City Council have received complaints against Erica Purvis, 29, whose intimidating and threatening behaviour has caused distress to city centre businesses and the public.

Purvis, of Hendon, is a habitual beggar who has regularly approached the public for money – despite living in privately-rented property and funds.

She has been offered referrals to relevant support services but has snubbed help and her worrying behaviour has continued.

Now the council, supported by police, have securedacriminalbehaviour order which prohibits Purvis from begging in the city centre – as well as causing any disorder in the Park Lane interchange.

Inspector Jamie Southwell, of Northumbria Police, said: “We are committed to ensuring our city centre is as safe as possible for everyone and it is clear Purvis’ behaviour was getting worse.

"I welcome the order to help tackle Purvis’ persistent anti-social behaviour, and we hope this will deter any future offending.

“This outcome is the result of an excellent team effort between officers, the council and other city centre partners. I’d like to thank everyone involved, especially the officers who’ve shown outstanding determinationandeffortto help secure this order."

Deputy Leader of Sunderland City Council, Councillor Claire Rowntree added: "In cases like this, where an individual has persisted with antisocial behaviour despite a warning and Community Protection Notice, and will not engage in relevant support,wehavenoalternative but to seek legal action.

"Everyone has the right to feel safe in the city centre and should feel free to go about without being subjected to intimidating or threatening behaviour.”