A homeless man has been banned from Kingston town centre for two years after persistently shoplifting and begging.

Samuel Mayo, 27, was described as a man who had caused “distress to shoppers, shop workers and local residents for far too long” when he appeared at Wimbledon Magistrates’ Court on Friday, August 21.

The court heard how Mayo has been involved in numerous thefts and anti-social offences over the years.

His latest arrest was for shoplifting in Tiger, Clarence Street, on July 2.

Last week Mayo, of no fixed address, was given a criminal behaviour order banning him from coming the town centre and take part in a drug treatment programme.

He was previously handed a 12 month conditional discharge and ordered to pay £30 costs on July 16.  

PC Michaela Glue said: "Mayo has been a persistent beggar and anti-social offender, existing in and around Kingston town centre for a number of years.

“His regular anti-social behaviour has caused harassment and distress to shoppers, shop workers and local residents for far too long.”

She added the officers had worked with town centre manager Kingstonfirst and the business community to get the order.

Kingston Chief Inspector Neil Allen said: "This is an excellent piece of work by my officers and clearly demonstrates our commitment to tackling anti-social behaviour.

“The agreed exclusion area together with the requirements for supervision and drug treatment will benefit both the town centre community and the individual concerned."