Homeless Wayne slams Asbo

A homeless man who sleeps in the doorway of Wolverhampton City Council's headquarters is facing an Asbo.

The authority is taking 31-year-old Wayne Starr to court after receiving a number of complaints about his behaviour.

But Mr Starr, who has been sleeping on the streets for two years, claims he causes no trouble at the Civic Centre.

He said: "I keep myself to myself. I think those youngsters on the skateboards cause much more noise and trouble than I do.

"I sleep there between 11pm and 7am and leave before anyone arrives for work. I sleep there because there is a camera and I feel safe.

"I have been attacked and set on fire while sleeping on the streets before. I don't cause any trouble. This came totally out of the blue.

"I think it's over the top. When the lady gave me the letter she even said, 'I don't want to give you this'."

Mr Starr used to live in Bushbury and said he ended up on the streets following the death of his brother.

"The only good thing that could come out of this is if it helps me find a new home." he added.

The council's application for an anti-social behaviour order is being backed by the police.

Council spokeswoman Felicity Roberts said: "We can confirm that we have applied, with the support of West Midlands Police, to obtain an anti-social behaviour order against Mr Starr.

"Due to ongoing proceedings it would be inappropriate to comment further on this matter at this time."

Mr Starr is now waiting for his summons to appear at Wolverhampton Magistrates Court.

He is not the first homeless person to be brought to court to face an Asbo.

Prolific beggar Stephen Harper was among the first in the city to be given an order in 2003.

Harper, who is in his thirties, was banned from approaching anyone "for money or alms" anywhere in England and Wales.

And a number of past residents of the city's main homeless hostel P3, formerly called The Good Shepherd, have been given anti-social behaviour orders preventing them from harrassing the public.