A persistent beggar has been warned he could be thrown in jail if he is caught asking for money again after he was made the subject of a five-year court order.

Daniel Nicholson has been seen repeatedly asking shoppers and visitors in Maidstone town centre for money as he appeared homeless, despite often having accessible accommodation nearby, according to Kent Police.

On October 3, the 37-year-old appeared at Medway Magistrates’ Court in Chatham where he pleaded guilty to eight breaches of a public space protection order.

In January, Nicholson had also previously admitted similar breaches of a community protection notice relating to almost 20 separate incidents.

An application from police for a Criminal Behaviour Order (CBO) was accepted by the court covering areas such as Week Street, High Street, King Street, Jubilee Square and Mill Street.

It means Nicholson must not ask any person not known to him for money, food, or any other item; sit, lie or loiter next to a cash machine, in doorways or similar for the purpose of begging; or use signs, containers, animals, or any other means for the purpose of begging.

The CBO also includes a requirement for Nicholson to engage with support services.

Sergeant Dan Bartlett said: “Nicholson has continued to beg for money even at times when he had access to safe and secure accommodation but would portray himself as homeless.

“His behaviour can be intimidating to those who encounter him and unfortunately he has not been responsive to the support our officers and partners have tried to provide.

“Applying for a CBO is not an action we take lightly; however, Nicholson has ignored a raft of previous measures and warnings and it is a necessary step to ensure residents, businesses and visitors to Maidstone are able to enjoy the town free from this sort of harassment.

“This order will give us greater powers to manage Nicholson’s offending and if he does continue to beg he faces the real prospect of a prison sentence.”