Seven-year Asbo is handed out to thug

A thug from the Black Country who terrorised pensioners and passers-by in a two-year campaign of abuse has been given a seven-year Asbo and evicted from his home.

Karl Paul Jones, aged 24, has been banned from most parts of Great Bridge in Tipton after years of bad behaviour, including violent threats, shouting abuse and being drunk in the street.

He now faces five years in prison if he breaches the order.

Jones, formerly of Phoenix Street, West Bromwich, was given the order following action by Sandwell Council, Great Bridge Neighbourhood Policing Team, Sandwell Homes and Accord Housing.

His behaviour over the past two years prompted a string of complaints from Great Bridge residents, many of whom are elderly.

The order, which was imposed by West Bromwich Magistrates Court on June 16, bans him from most of Great Bridge — in an exclusion area bordered by the A41, Phoenix Street and Ryders Green Road and including all of Sheepwash Urban Park.

Accord Housing has also evicted Jones from his flat in Phoenix Street, after complaints about his behaviour there, including making loud noises in the early hours, drinking, shouting, banging and racial abuse.

His Asbo also states he must not use or threaten to use violence or abusive, threatening, racist, sexually explicit or offensive words or behaviour in public; cause damage or attempt to damage any property belonging to others in Sandwell; throw stones, bricks or other missiles at anyone or any property; drink alcohol or have an open alcohol container in public in Sandwell or beg for money in public places

The order will last until midnight on June 15 2017.

Tipton police inspector Dale Randle, said: "This is a great example of how working together with our partners and communities, we can make a real difference.

"We would not have been able to take this positive action without the feedback from the local residents.

"We need more people to come forward and tell us about their concerns so that we can stop the likes of Mr Jones from getting away with such unacceptable behaviour."