Lowestoft man Billy Mansfield banned from series of shops and handed criminal behaviour order

A man has been handed a criminal behaviour order and banned from a series of shops for two years.

Billy Mansfield, 41, of Ethel Road in Lowestoft, was given the order (CBO) on June 16 after he pleaded guilty at Great Yarmouth Magistrates Court to theft.

The order means he must not enter any Co-op store in London Road North or London Road South in Lowestoft.

He also must not enter Sports Direct in London Road North or enter TK Maxx in North Quay.

The CBO is valid for two years from June 16.

Breaching a CBO is a criminal offence that can result in penalties, including imprisonment or a fine, with the maximum penalty for adults up to five years in prison.

Mansfield has also been ordered to pay £1,000 in compensation for stealing a mobility scooter and a cycle.

Inspector Mark Jackson said: “The CBO follows previous action taken to try to address his prolific offending such as shop theft, stealing a mobility scooter and theft of a bike and items such as handbags.

“This outcome demonstrates our determination to tackle such shoplifters, shows our commitment to tackling shoplifting overall and how we will look to address and deal with prolific offenders.

“It is very positive news because it gives officers the power of arrest without the need for a substantive offence should he enter the stores listed.”

Inspector Jackson added: “The court heard how his persistent disruptive behaviour and theft of goods was causing considerable problems for stores and their staff.

“We will continue to utilise our police powers and all the options available to us to reduce the harm caused to the community by a few prolific offenders.”