Owen Maughan who 'caused problems for people in Blackburn town centre' is banned from entering the shopping centre

Owen Maughan has been banned from Blackburn shopping centre Credit: Lancashire Police

A persistent beggar who caused problems for people in Blackburn town centre has been banned from entering the shopping centre.

Owen Maughan, 30, of no fixed abode, appeared at Blackburn Magistrates Court on 8 January where he was given a two-year conditional discharge for begging and handed a two year Criminal Behaviour Order after his anti social drinking and unpredictable behaviour became a nuisance.

The Order prohibits him from approaching anyone in Blackburn or Darwen to ask for money or gifts.

He must not consume alcohol in a public place other than in a licensed premises within Blackburn with Darwen and he must not enter Blackburn Shopping Mall or Blackburn Market which is bordered by Church Street, Ainsworth Street, King William Street, Town Hall Street and Tackett Street.

PC Andy Duxbury said: