A man has been jailed for 40 weeks after repeatedly urinating and defecating on trains and buses across the North East. Richard Hall, 41, of no fixed abode, appeared at South Tyneside Magistrates' Court on Friday, October 10, charged with over 20 offences.
Hall's actions, which were most frequently carried out on the Tyne and Wear Metro network, specifically in passenger seating areas, caused significant disruption. Services were disrupted, with vehicles taken out of operation for cleaning, and passengers inconvenienced as a result.
Coordinated efforts lead to Criminal Behaviour Order
Hall was caught due to the coordinated efforts of police officers, local councils, and transport providers. They shared intelligence and secured a Criminal Behaviour Order (CBO) against him, which was brought into force on Wednesday, September 23.
The restrictions placed on Hall included prohibiting him from getting on the Metro, enforcing exclusion zones, and stopping him from approaching the public to help him purchase alcohol. Police officers were given additional powers to intervene proactively, with Hall arrested twice for failing to comply with the terms of the CBO.
Charges and sentencing
Hall was charged with over 20 offences, including two breaches of a CBO, 16 counts of shoplifting, two counts of failure to comply with a Community Protection Notice, one count of common assault, and one section five public order offence.
Chief Inspector Phil Baker, of Northumbria Police, said: "This result is a fantastic example of what can be achieved when police and partners work together towards a common goal. Hall's behaviour was having a significant impact on our communities and transport network."
"Through effective information sharing and collaboration, we were able to secure measures that helped bring the matter before the courts and ultimately achieve a positive outcome for everyone who uses our public transport system," he added.
Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner, Susan Dungworth, said: "I am pleased to see that an individual who has been committing disgusting and disruptive behaviour on our public transport has been brought to justice. He's caused really unpleasant experiences for fellow passengers and at the same time has created more work for staff across our buses and trains."
Anyone wishing to report information relating to anti-social behaviour should contact Northumbria Police via direct message on social media or by submitting a report form on the website. Those unable to contact police online should call 101, and in an emergency, call 999.
