‘Zero-tolerance to anti-social behaviour’ - Man banned from Telford golf course after abusing staff
Matthew Popplewell subjected course staff at Horsehay Village Golf Centre to months of abuse and nuisance, a court has heard.
A man has been banned from a Telford golf course and been ordered by a court to pay costs, after regularly abusing and intimidating staff.
Matthew Popplewell subjected course staff at Horsehay Village Golf Centre to months of abuse and nuisance, Telford magistrates heard this week.
The case was brought by Telford & Wrekin Council who applied for a civil injunction against Popplewell.
The council told the magistrates after already being issued with a Community Protection Notice last year, Popplewell returned to the golf centre earlier this summer and was regularly abusive and intimidating towards staff.
The council’s anti-social behaviour team was able to collate evidence and submit the case to court.
Magistrates issued a civil injunction against Popplewell, which means he is now banned from entering or remaining on the grounds of Horsehay Golf Centre, although he is able to use specified public rights of way.
It also prohibits Popplewell from using or threatening violence, or engaging in abusive, insulting, intimidating, threatening or sexually explicit words or behaviour towards golf centre employees or contractors.
The civil injunction will be in place for 12 months. It will be kept under review and has the possibility to be extended.
The court also ordered Popplewell to pay court costs of £387.
Councillor Nathan England, Cabinet Member for Safer Streets and Better Housing, said: “Nobody should have to tolerate abuse, intimidation or threatening behaviour simply for doing their job.
“We have a zero-tolerance approach to anti-social behaviour and will not hesitate to take robust action against those who make life difficult for our staff, residents or businesses.
“This injunction sends a clear message that persistent unacceptable behaviour has consequences."
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