'Relentless' West Sussex offender banned from entering other people's homes
The 33-year-old stole from neighbours to fund his drug habit
A 'relentless' offender who stole neighbours' property to fund his drug habit has been banned from knocking on doors and entering flats in Sompting.
A judge said Gary Hocking, of Millfield, was well-known in the area for burglary, drug use and antisocial behaviour, taking advantage of vulnerable residents by gaining access to their properties and stealing their personal belongings to sell on.
The 33-year-old has now been given a three-year Criminal Behaviour Order, imposed by District Judge Claire Evans during a hearing at Horsham Magistrates Court on December 8th.
Hocking also has various previous convictions for burglaries, violent crimes and theft and has ignored a community protection order.
He was then issued with a Community Protection Notice, which he breached seven times within a few months.
Through co-operation with Adur & Worthing Councils and Adur Homes, Sussex Police presented the required evidence at court to prove a Criminal Behaviour Order was necessary to prevent further criminal behaviour from Hocking.
Under the order, Hocking is banned from entering any flats in Millfield or Busticle Lane, barring his own flat and one other.
He is also banned from attempting to enter any flats in either road, including by knocking on doors or windows or ringing doorbells.
Any breach of the order without reasonable excuse can be punished with a fine or up to five years in prison.
Judge Evans wrote:
“His offending is relentless, intolerable and impacting on many persons living in the same area as him. Criminal behaviour will continue unless this order is imposed.”
Cllr Kevin Boram, Adur District Council's Executive Member for Health & Wellbeing, said:
“Many thanks to the hard work of our antisocial behaviour team, Adur Homes and Sussex Police for obtaining this order.
“This result shows we are serious about protecting community safety and ensuring Adur residents feel secure in their homes.
"This kind of behaviour will not be tolerated.”