A PROLIFIC shoplifter who spat and shouted at people has been given an Asbo covering the whole Humberside Police force area. Neil Francis Palmer, 43, who repeatedly breached previous Asbos and is currently serving time in prison, has been given an order for the entire force area – a rare move for the courts and police to make.
The Asbo will come into effect when he leaves prison and will last until midnight on November 3, 2017. PC Andy White, of Kirk Ella police station, said the west Hull resident was a "nasty" character who threatened and intimidated people.
PC White said: "He spits at people and is a pretty nasty guy. We've had problems with him intimidating shop assistants and he is someone who has been a problem for quite a long time, especially when he has been drinking. When he has had a drink, he becomes aggressive and has verbally abused people."
Palmer appeared at Hull Crown Court earlier this month, where he was sentenced to a jail term. He was sent to prison for six months for stealing a pedal cycle, breaching an Asbo and theft from a shop. The original order was put on him for shop thefts, as he was a prolific offender and often became aggressive when confronted by shop assistants.
"The shop assistants he abused are hard workers, many of them women," said PC Ward. "They don't need to put up with abuse from the likes of people like Palmer – they don't deserve it. I'm really pleased he now has an Asbo until November 2017 and that it is for the whole of the force area."
Shops targeted by Palmer include Sainsbury's in Willerby, Anlaby Retail Park, stores in Hull and St Stephen's shopping centre, Willerby Shopping Park, Sainsbury's in Anlaby Common and the Asda Living store in Anlaby.
PC Ward said: "Sometimes Asbos will be for the city of Hull, or sometimes for Hull and the East Riding. But to have one for the whole Humberside Police force area is quite rare.
"The courts have taken a common sense approach so the original Asbo has been extended and will not start until he finishes in prison. If anyone sees him breaking any of the conditions of the Asbo, we urge them to contact the police.
"It is clear from the sentence and further order that the courts will not put up with this man's behaviour."
The Asbo has four parts to it. Palmer is prohibited from the following:
Acting or inciting a person to act in an antisocial manner which may cause harassment, alarm or distress.
• Acting or inciting a person to engage in behaviour that is threatening.
• Throwing or kicking any object, except when taking part in any ball game or sporting activity in a properly designated sports facility or public park, or spitting at any person, animal, vehicle or property in any public place.
• Being in possession of any unsealed container of alcohol in a public place, except at a premises licensed for the consumption of alcohol.
If Palmer breaches any of the conditions, he could face a fine of up to £5,000 or prison for up to five years.
• Follow us on Facebook and Twitter
• Crime news for Hull and East Yorkshire
