A repeat antisocial behaviour offender has been banned from stepping foot in Newark.
The actions of James Murr have caused prolonged distress to the community for more than 18 months.
Reports of repeated nuisance behaviour, drug use and the exploitation of vulnerable people have all been made against the 31-year-old.
That behaviour has also been compounded by Murr and his accomplice, Naomi Pugh, contributing to the “cuckooing” of multiple properties across Newark.
Cuckooing is a practice whereby vulnerable people are manipulated by criminals into allowing their homes to be taken over and used for illegal activities.
Newark and Sherwood District Council has previously worked with Nottinghamshire Police to secure closure orders on multiple properties impacted by the actions of Murr and Pugh, both of no fixed address.
When these measures didn’t curb their offending, a decision was made by the council and police to take further action against, firstly, Pugh – who received a two-year injunction order back in April – and now Murr.
He has also been served with an injunction, banning him from entering any part of Newark for the next two years, with the order also prohibiting him from engaging in any behaviour that causes – or is likely to cause – nuisance, alarm or distress to others.
Should he breach this order in any way, police will have the authority to arrest Murr there and then.
Inspector Charlotte Ellam, District Commander for Newark and Sherwood, said:
“Knowing Murr will now be banned from Newark is great news for everyone who lives, works and visits here.
“He and his accomplice, Naomi Pugh, have been responsible for making people’s lives a misery through their repeated nuisance behaviour for some time now.
“As well as their frequent examples of antisocial behaviour (ASB), they also contributed to the ‘cuckooing’ of vulnerable people at different properties across Newark.
“Those actions prompted the council to secure multiple closure orders on these addresses, while an injunction was secured against Pugh a few months ago too.
“We’re therefore delighted to see that Murr has also now been served with an injunction, which we hope will give the local community some respite from him and his unpleasant behaviour.”
Councillor Paul Taylor, Portfolio Holder for Public Protection and Community Relations at Newark and Sherwood District Council, added:
“Everyone has the right to feel safe in their home and within their local community. For a prolonged period, the behaviour associated with these individuals caused considerable concern, distress and disruption for residents, as well as placing additional demands on local services and partner agencies.
“This injunction is an important step in protecting our communities and demonstrates our commitment to taking robust action where antisocial behaviour persistently affects the lives of local people. We will not hesitate to use the powers available to us when there is clear evidence that intervention is necessary to prevent further harm.
“We are grateful for the continued support of Nottinghamshire Police and partner agencies in helping us protect residents and respond to concerns raised by the community.”
