Beggar behind bars after ignoring West Bromwich ban
An aggressive homeless man banned from a town centre for five years was locked up within three days for breaching the order – twice.
Notorious figure Maciej Bortkiewicz had ignored all warnings about his behaviour which included begging, boozing, swearing, stealing and throwing up in public.
The 34-year-old had plagued West Bromwich town centre and the Carters Green area over the past few years but refused offers of help.
He was given a five-year Asbo banning him from the area for a list of misdemeanours including shoplifting, begging, drinking alcohol, vomiting and urinating in public places, threatening and violent behaviour and swearing.
Sandwell Council's anti-social behaviour team and Sandwell Police worked together to secure the order, which will last until June 16 2018. It was granted at Sandwell Magistrates Court on June 17.
The order bans Bortkiewicz from entering an area which includes most of West Bromwich town centre and Carters Green.
He is also banned from being violent or abusive and damaging property anywhere in the country and in public places in Sandwell, he is banned from drinking alcohol, being found drunk or intoxicated by drugs and begging for money, food, drink or cigarettes.
But Bortkiewicz was back at the same court on June 21 when he admitted breaching the ASBO twice in two days and was jailed for six weeks.
Sgt Jayne Killoch, from the West Bromwich neighbourhood police team, said: "This anti-social behaviour order is really important for West Bromwich town centre.
"Mr Bortkiewicz has caused significant problems for residents, local businesses and visitors to the town by behaving anti-socially.
"Close working with Sandwell Council and others has been vital in obtaining this order and I hope this sends out a strong message to the community that anti-social behaviour will not be tolerated in West Bromwich and we will robustly deal with people who act in an anti-social manner."
Sandwell's neighbourhoods boss, Councillor Mahboob Hussain, added: "We have taken this action as a last resort after repeated arrests and warnings and offers of help and support to Mr Bortkiewicz, which he has refused. Partner organisations have tried very hard to help Mr Bortkiewicz by offering a range of support.
"But his refusal of help and his continued aggressive behaviour left us with no option but to ask the courts to ban him from the town centre."
