A PERSISTENT offender who has consistently ignored warnings from the courts has been placed on an even tighter leash. 

Michael Sefton, who has regularly appeared in the Worcester News for his court appearances, has been placed under a criminal behaviour order (CBO) by magistrates after his latest offending.

The 59-year-old, of no fixed abode but formerly of Little Priest Lane, Pershore, admitted failing to comply with a community protection notice when he appeared at Worcester Magistrates Court on Thursday, (September 8).

Worcester News: ORDER: Michael Sefton has been given a criminal behaviour order. Picture: West Mercia PoliceORDER: Michael Sefton has been given a criminal behaviour order. Picture: West Mercia Police (Image: West Mercia Police)

Sumreen Afsar, prosecuting, explained Sefton was handed the protection notice on July 22 last year and one condition was not to enter the Tesco Express store in Pershore.

The prosecutor said Sefton went into the store on August 3 this year, entering a back room before police were called and he was arrested.

Mrs Afsar said Sefton had 21 previous convictions for failing to comply with a community protection notice and it had not deterred the defendant from offending, which had led to the application for the stricter CBO.

 

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Sefton, who defended himself, told magistrates he had entered the store "as a protest."

He said he understood the CBO and promised the magistrates twice he would not break its conditions.

Worcester News: COURT: Michael Sefton appeared at Worcester Magistrates CourtCOURT: Michael Sefton appeared at Worcester Magistrates Court

Magistrates agreed to impose the order as they were "more than satisfied" it was needed. 

The order, which lasts three years, prohibits him from: 

 

  • Engaging in anti-social behaviour that causes alarm, harassment or distress 
  • Driving his wheelchair into the road causing traffic to have to swerve or suddenly stop
  • Spraying deodorant in his eyes in front of members of the public
  • Making inappropriate comments in the hearing of members of the public
  • Approaching or communicating with anyone under 18
  • Entering another patient's cubicle while in hospital
  • Causing a nuisance or any disturbance at Worcestershire Royal Hospital
  • Refusing to leave a premise or area when asked by someone who has the authority to do so
  • Calling the emergency services unless in an emergency
  • Banging on Pershore residents' doors or loitering in communal areas 

 

Sefton was also given a 12-month conditional discharge and was told to pay £26 victim surcharge. 

Before leaving the court Sefton thanked the magistrates, adding he was hoping to move to Birmingham soon.