A woman from Brighton has been prohibited from begging for two years and banned from local branches of the Pret a Manger sandwich shop chain.
Ella Biggins, 31, of Ditchling Rise, was made the subject of a criminal behaviour order by Brighton magistrates and ordered to co-operate with rehab services.
The order was made after she was found to have persistently begged and harassed members of the public for money in an intimidating or aggressive manner.
The order was made at Brighton Magistrates’ Court and said: “You must not
- sit, lay or loiter in a position with the intention to ask for money in any public place within the area of Brighton and Hove
- cause harassment, alarm or distress to members of the public when asking for money in any place within the area of Brighton and Hove
- enter any Pret-a-Manger establishments within Brighton and Hove, namely
- 42 East Street, Brighton, BN1 1HL
- 77 North Street, Brighton, BN1 1ZA
- Unit 2 and 3, Brighton Railway Station, Queen’s Road, Brighton, BN1 3XP
She was also ordered to “engage with the rehabilitation programme at Ditchling Rise, Brighton, or attend appointments as requested by Change Grow Live at Richmond House, 18 Richmond Road, Brighton”.
Sussex Police said: “Ella will receive support from local community groups and will be required to attend regular appointments.”
PC Kevin Michnowicz said: “I am pleased the court approved the application for a criminal behaviour order against Ella to prevent her from causing distress to the public through her anti-social behaviour.
“I want to assure the public that we will continue to use anti-social behaviour legislation to ensure that offenders not only answer for their criminal behaviour but that they are subject to ongoing restrictions in order to provide a respite to individuals, businesses or communities.”
I used to be really, really angry at these type of people, but I stopped to think about how lucky I am, what a decent upbringing I had (although poor) and of all the things that I am now grateful to have.
This woman probably had a pretty rotten childhood, and none of the opportunities that I’ve had; I hope that she gets the help that she needs
Yes I,ve also seen this lady on many occasions ,however she behaves and what we think of her she is one of life’s desperate soles and let’s hope she finds love and happiness because we all deserve some of that,so let’s wish her well.
Yes. She is one of life’s desperate a….soles! And she will be out and about again in no time at all, ready to cause alarm and chaos when she is back on the streets of Brighton. And as for “will be required to attend regular appointments.”, does anyone really take that seriously?
You nailed it there!
This is so sad. I’ve seen her grow up on the streets over the years. I remember being shocked to see someone so young begging when she started years ago. Tragic that she’s come to this really..
Good that the police charged her. There is way too much of this in Brighton and it is intimidating and frightening for many people and especially tourists.
Build cages for them, with a sea view,,,,,,, under the pier
Poor Ella I no her she’s lovely she needs help someone please help her she’s lovly
I live on St. James Street and I see her almost every day. She’s still at it, and this evening she has a bicycle!
She’s still at it!
Sad. I can’t stand beggars but I can only imagine what kind of upbringing this woman had. Its just tragic