Warwickshire’s first Criminal Behaviour Order

Christopher Rennie, aged 32, who grew up in Warwick but is now of no fixed abode, smashed three shop windows in the St John’s area of the town, the windows of a house in Lakin Road and made a nuisance of himself at both Warwick and Leamington railway stations.

Police Sergeant David Kettle of the Warwick District Safer Neighbourhood Team said that as well as the damage to property, Rennie had been involved in a string of alcohol-related anti-social actions, including making a nuisance of himself at both railway stations and also Warwick hospital.

Rennie had also made false calls to the police.

Sgt Kettle said: “For the criminal damage offences Rennie was given a nine week suspended prison sentence and will have to comply with a probation order.

“The successful application for a CBO means that for the next two years he also has to comply with a number of conditions aimed at tackling the issues he has caused. If Rennie chooses not to modify his behaviour the CBO allows for earlier intervention to limit the harm he causes.”

CBOs were introduced in October, 2014, replacing Anti-Social Behaviour Orders (ASBOs) and can be issued by magistrates following a conviction.

Although similar in nature to the old ASBOs they have more teeth, are more straight forward to apply for and are more wide ranging. They place positive obligations as well as prohibitions on the recipient.

Sgt Kettle added: “If Rennie is found in breaching any of the conditions of the order he commits a criminal offence which, if successfully convicted, could result in a prison sentence of up to five years.

“These new orders will be used to tackle the most persistently anti-social individuals who are also engaged in criminal activity.

“The Warwick Central Safer Neighbourhood Team sought the CBO after recognising the negative affect Rennie was having in the local community.”

Sgt Kettle added: “I do not foresee the application for CBOs as a regular occurrence. They are however an important tool for tackling those who persistently cause our communities most harm and will, as in the case of Rennie, be sought where there is clear evidence that an individual is likely to cause further issues in the future.