Ban for prolific offender who left families frightened in Easington Lane

A prolific offender whose escalating anti-social behaviour has left families exasperated has been banned from setting foot in areas of Wearside.

Marco Fletcher has been arrested 42 times and linked to more than 100 incidents in the Easington Lane area since 2010.

These have included 25-year-old Fletcher being involved in a series of disturbances, often late at night, with his behaviour leaving some neighbours frightened and intimidated.

Since January 2019, officers have attended two associated addresses on South Hetton Road more than 70 times due to Fletcher’s alleged conduct.

With some neighbours and victims wary of speaking out due to fear of reprisals, police have stepped in and used civil legislation in a bid to curb Fletcher’s offending.

A civil injunction has now been issued at Sunderland County Court which bans Fletcher from entering areas of South Hetton Road, Easington Lane.

The two-year injunction, which came into effect last Tuesday (August 10), will remain in place until August 2023.

PC Graham Norton, of Northumbria Police, said:

“This is very welcome news for the residents of Easington Lane who are fed up of Fletcher’s antics. He has caused families sleepless nights and been a drain on police resources for some time.

“The majority of reports have involved him acting in an anti-social manner in addresses on South Hetton Road, and that disorder has regularly spilled out into the street – in full view of neighbours.

“Fletcher has been given various chances to clean up his act but has shown a constant disregard for the law, and there's little doubt his behaviour has had an intimidating and adverse impact on the community.

“This injunction bans him from entering the areas most affected and we hope it proves an effective way of managing and dealing with his behaviour.

"Should he ignore these strict conditions, he faces re-arrest and the courts will have greater powers in which to sentence him.

“I hope this outcome offers reassurance to the community who I would like to thank for their amazing patience and cooperation. We will continue to use every avenue at our disposal – whether criminal or civil – to ensure this area remains a safe place to live and work.”

Under the conditions of the injunction, Fletcher must attend a rehabilitation course with Wear Recovery who support individuals struggling with drug or alcohol abuse.

He is also forbidden to cause harassment, alarm or distress to four named individuals and any person not of the same household, and must not use abusive, insulting, intimidating or threatening language or behaviour in public.

Anybody who has any concerns or believe the injunction has been breached is asked to contact police via the ‘Tell Us Something’ page of the police website or by calling 101.

Alternatively you can email 1356@northumbria.pnn.police.uk.