'Joker' lookalike jailed and banned from city centre

A homeless man who dressed up as the Joker during a crime spree in Nottingham has been jailed for 22 weeks and banned from the city centre for three years.

Damien Hammond, 29, was jailed for a string of offences, including obstructing a police officer and being disorderly toward police, shop staff and the public.

Hammond committed these crimes despite being given a 21-week sentence, suspended for 12 months, by magistrates in April for a number of other offences.

These included theft, possession of an offensive weapon and indecent exposure.

Hammond, of no fixed address, is easily recognised for his make-up, green hair and costumes modelled on the Batman villain.

Nottingham Magistrates' Court heard the self-styled Joker's appearance had a "sinister, aggravating effect" on his victims.