Thomas Stephenson, a 43-year-old Cheltenham resident of Isbourne Road, has been banned from specific parts of Cheltenham town centre following persistent anti-social behaviour. Despite owning his own home, Stephenson was found sleeping rough on the streets, drawing the attention of Solace—a partnership between Cheltenham Borough Council, Gloucester City Council, and Gloucestershire Police.
Reported incidents included leaving belongings in doorways, littering, aggressive behaviour toward the public, harassment of shopkeepers, shouting, public indecency, and neglecting his dog by leaving it unattended and off its lead. These actions caused significant harassment, alarm, and distress to members of the community.
Solace officers engaged with Stephenson multiple times, offering support and advice to address his behaviour and its impact. However, due to the severity and persistence of his actions, a civil Anti-Social Behaviour Injunction (ASBI) was obtained against him at Gloucestershire County Court in September.
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The 12-month injunction, effective until September 18, prohibits Stephenson from entering designated areas of the town centre. Breaching these conditions could lead to arrest or an unlimited fine.
Councillor Victoria Atherstone, cabinet member for safety and communities, acknowledged the complex and often tragic circumstances behind such behaviour but emphasized the council’s commitment to maintaining a safe and welcoming environment. She stated, “While we recognize the deep-rooted issues affecting individuals, serious and ongoing anti-social behaviour cannot be tolerated. We are prepared to take necessary enforcement action to protect our communities, while continuing to provide appropriate support to offenders.”