Council sends message with begging Asbo for woman

Hull City Council said the move was necessary to prevent Ann Marie Rigg causing “distress” to people in the Holderness Road area.

Retailers had repeatedly complained about the actions of Ann Marie Rigg to the council and the police during discussions about improving safety in the area.

The terms of the Asbo ban Ms Rigg from begging anywhere in the Hull area and stops her from entering certain parts of Holderness Road.

If she is caught disobeying the terms of the order she could be arrested and, if the courts think it is justified, she could ultimately sent to prison.

The manager of the council’s neighbourhood nuisance team, Justine Mortimer, said: “This shows our commitment to deal with anti-social behaviour.

“We will not tolerate this type of behaviour and will take action to protect communities and the people within them.”

The Asbo was issued by Hull Magistrates Court after retailers provided statements and gave evidence about the problems caused by Ms Rigg.

Hull City Council said both police and council officers had previously discussed the issue with Ms Rigg and warned her that further action would be taken to prevent her begging and causing a nuisance if she failed to change her behaviour.

But the authority said she “chose to ignore this warning” and it was forced to take the matter before the courts.

Ms Rigg, who lives in East Hull, will be the subject of the Asbo for the next two years.

The council’s portfolio holder for neighbourhoods and communities, Coun John Hewitt, supported the decision to pursue an ASBO.

He said: “We want Hull to be a safe and pleasant place for everyone, so it is always disappointing when a minority of people chose to act in a manner that is distressing to others.”

The council is urging residents to report anti-social behaviour to its neighbourhood nuisance team by calling 01482 300300 or via the authority’s website.