A man has been sentenced for criminal damage and breaching a community protection notice in Bracknell and is now banned from the town centre. 

Robert Lawson, aged 56, of no fixed abode, was given a two-year Criminal Behaviour Order (CBO) and 12-month community order at Reading Magistrates’ Court on Thursday (7/3).

The CBO prohibits Lawson from:

Entering Bracknell town centre as defined by a map provided to him, with some exceptions around visiting the Probation Service and Bracknell Forest District Council;

Entering The Lexicon, Bracknell, including High Street, Bond Square, Eagle Lane, Braccan Walk north and south and The Avenue, as well as Princess Square Shopping Centre, Jubilee Gardens and Town Square, the Peel Centre and The Point.

Begging in any form anywhere in England and Wales.

Lawson pleaded guilty to one count each of failing to comply with a community protection notice and criminal damage to property valued under £5,000.

Between August 1 and September 30 last year, Lawson breached his community protection notice by aggressively begging in public places across Bracknell.

He was charged on 18 October last year.

Investigating officer PC Carla May, of the Problem Solving Team, based at Bracknell police station, said: “Robert Lawson has repeatedly breached his community protection order through aggressive begging at locations across Bracknell.

“He now has a CBO, which should stop his offending and prevent him from entering Bracknell town centre and begging, as well as a community order to support his rehabilitation."