In recent weeks, multiple individuals have been prohibited from entering specific areas within Gloucestershire, ranging from city districts to individual streets, following legal actions aimed at curbing anti-social and harmful behaviour.
The courts issue such bans under various orders, including Anti-Social Behaviour Injunctions (ASBIs) and Sexual Harm Prevention Orders (SHPOs), designed to protect the public and prevent further incidents.
Among those affected is Victor Valentine, 29, from St Pauls, Cheltenham. Despite not having any sexual convictions, he was issued a five-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order at Cheltenham Magistrates' Court on 24 August. The order followed concerns over his membership in an online incel group and a history of unprovoked violence towards women in public. Conditions prohibit Valentine from accessing the internet on any computer or device without notifying the police within three days of acquiring it. Additionally, he is barred from entering or loitering near female-only spaces such as public toilets and changing rooms.
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Nathan Hayward, 34, received an ASBI banning him from Warwick Place and Grove Street in Cheltenham for 11 months. The order, granted at Gloucester County Court on 3 July and finalised on 13 August, arose from multiple police complaints regarding his abusive and threatening conduct. Hayward must avoid causing alarm, harassment, or distress, and is prohibited from using or threatening violence toward anyone in Cheltenham or Gloucester. The injunction will remain in effect until 3 July 2027, with breach carrying the risk of arrest.
Marika Badzova was banned from all businesses participating in the City Safe scheme across Gloucestershire after repeated incidents involving racial abuse and intimidating behaviour towards the public. Gloucester City Council highlighted her long history of shoplifting, racial abuse, and assaults, which led to the injunction. Those witnessing any violation of the ban are urged to contact the police immediately. Morag Gordon, Engagement Officer at the council, emphasised the commitment to offering support for complex cases but reaffirmed that persistent anti-social behaviour would result in enforcement actions to protect the community.
Jimmy Doran, 25, received an ASBI on 3 September following complaints that he had exploited elderly and vulnerable individuals in Cheltenham by befriending them and subsequently taking money and valuables. The injunction bans Doran from entering specified Cheltenham addresses and forbids him from causing alarm, harassment, distress, or violence towards anyone within Gloucestershire.
Matthew Lewis, 48, of no fixed abode, was served an ASBI at Cheltenham and Gloucester County Court, effective until 13 August 2027. The order follows incidents of anti-social behaviour and violence in Gloucester, with the council noting that residents and the public were living in fear due to Lewis’s actions. The injunction includes a power of arrest and restricts his movement and conduct as specified in the order.
Kevin Joyce, 32, from Court Farm Close, Pamington, Tewkesbury, was banned on 27 August from contacting two individuals and entering areas including Tewkesbury town centre, Priors Park, and Walton Cardiff. His ban, lasting until 16 July 2027, was imposed following involvement in multiple violent incidents, including one where a man was struck with a sledgehammer. Officer PC Emily Fagan commented that the injunction aims to enhance the quality of life for residents and protect vulnerable community members.
These judicial measures demonstrate an ongoing effort to address various forms of anti-social and dangerous behaviour within Gloucestershire, balancing community safety with the provision of support where appropriate.