A Barnstaple man who breached a Community Protection Notice (CPN) against him has been fined at court following a successful prosecution by North Devon Council.

Daniel Ward, of no fixed abode, was summoned to appear at Barnstaple Magistrates' Court on 30 July. He was found guilty in absence of two offences of failing to comply with a CPN he was served in December 2023.

A CPN can be imposed on individuals over the age of 16 where their conduct is unreasonable, consistent, and has a detrimental effect on the quality of life of those in the community.

Ward's CPN required him not to loiter, sit or sleep, or beg outside any retail premises in Barnstaple High Street at any time; not to litter; not to defecate or urinate in a public place, and not to leave any personal belongings outside of any premises in Barnstaple High Street.

Ward was seen by a police officer in Barnstaple High Street on 21 May sat in a sleeping bag with a hat in front of him with coins inside. He was seen again in the High Street two days later sat in a sleeping bag with a cup of coins in front of him. He was made aware of the conditions of his CPN and reported for an offence on both occasions.

Magistrates ordered Ward to pay a fine of £100 and a victim surcharge of £40.

Chief Executive at North Devon Council, Ken Miles, said: "Antisocial behaviour is committed by a small minority, but it can have a huge impact on the lives of our communities. Issuing a Community Protection Notice to someone is not a decision that is taken lightly, but this prosecution shows that we will take robust action against those who persistently cause problems in our community.

"We are committed to working in partnership with Devon and Cornwall Police and other agencies to ensure North Devon is a safe place to live, work and visit."

The council's Facebook page provides regular updates from its ASB team about the work it conducts in the community on a daily basis. All activity relating to the council's work to combat ASB can be found using #NDCsaysnotoASB.