Afzul Veshmia, a 45-year-old man from Russell Street, Gloucester, has been banned from large parts of Gloucester city centre for 12 months due to persistent harassment and intimidating behaviour towards women and young girls. His actions had caused significant distress and fear among members of the public going about their daily routines.
Gloucester City Council secured a Civil Injunction against Veshmia, effective until May 18, 2027, which restricts him from entering substantial areas of the city centre. The injunction also prohibits him from setting fires in public places within Gloucester and possessing large objects, such as tree branches, that could be used as weapons.
This legal action was initiated through the council’s new City Centre Engagement Service, aimed at combating anti-social behaviour, especially as Gloucester recently ranked among the top 20 most violent locations in the UK.
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Morag Gordon, an engagement officer at Gloucester City Council, emphasized the importance of the injunction, stating, “This civil injunction sends a clear message that anti-social behaviour will not be tolerated in Gloucester. We are committed to tackling any intimidation, verbal abuse, or threats of violence robustly. Thanks to the courage of Veshmia’s victims who provided evidence, we were able to obtain this injunction.”
Inspector James O’Neill from Gloucester’s Neighbourhood Policing Team added that Veshmia’s intimidating conduct had caused widespread concern. “This injunction allows us to manage his behaviour effectively. Since its implementation, he has been arrested twice for breaches, showing the action’s effectiveness.”
The court order specifies that Veshmia is forbidden from entering specified public areas and engaging in threatening behaviour. It includes a power of arrest under the Anti-Social Behaviour Crime & Policing Act 2014, allowing police to arrest him without a warrant if they suspect a breach.
Community safety remains a priority, with officials affirming their commitment to protecting residents from intimidation and ensuring responsible management of anti-social behaviour.