Maryport man who spread misery given ASBO

A 22-year-old prolific offender from Maryport has been jailed for eight months and given a two year Anti-Social Behaviour Order (ASBO) restricting his access to the town when he is released.
 
Nicky Kevin Stephen Hewitson, of Queens Street, Maryport, was given the sentence at Whitehaven Magistrates Court on Wednesday, 16 December, for theft, handling stolen goods, possession of illegal drugs and public order offences. His ASBO will start on the day of his release and restrict his movement at night whilst also banning him from 60 shops across the town.

West Cumbria Crown Prosecution Service applied for the order following an application by West Cumbria’s Anti Social Behaviour Team and Maryport Community Police Team.

PC Graeme Hodkin, of West Cumbria Police Anti-Social Behaviour Team, said:

“Hewitson was the cause of months of misery for local people and for us this is unacceptable. This anti-social behaviour order highlights the lengths we will take to support law abiding citizens and pursue criminals relentlessly to keep you and your neighbourhoods safe from harm. 

“We are committed to tackling the issues that matter most to our local communities and I hope this order inspires confidence amongst the people we serve, that we will work together to take swift action and bring perpetrators to justice.

“It sends a clear message that if the minority cannot behave they will be pursued by Police, those who cause problems will be dealt with in a robust and positive way to protect the majority.

“We need to work together to tackle anti-social behaviour and I would urge anyone who is suffering from the effects of this sort of behaviour to get in touch with us by calling on 0845 33 00 247 or alternatively they can contact Crime stoppers anonymously 0800 555 111 so we can take action.”

An anti-social behaviour order is a preventative measure put in place by the courts in order to protect the public from the behaviour of particular individuals. The terms of Hewitson’s order restricts his movement at night time. He been banned from the majority of Maryport Town Centre between 7am and 9pm seven days a week, he is also prohibited from entering any of the premises who are members of the Maryport and Workington Shop Watch Scheme (Currently 60 premises).  Failure to abide by the terms of this order is an offence for which he could be arrested and sentenced to five years imprisonment.