Barnstaple man jailed and banned from dozens of stores in Devon

A man from Barnstaple has been jailed for three years after stealing charity boxes and committing a series of offences in the town.

Danny Hawkins, 34, of no fixed abode, was sentenced at Exeter Crown Court on Tuesday 2 December.

Hawkins admitted criminal damage, burglary and a theft by finding offence. All offences were taken into consideration at sentencing.

The court also imposed a Criminal Behaviour Order (CBO), which will remain in place for eight years from 2 December 2025.

Under the order, Hawkins is prohibited from acting in an anti-social manner likely to cause harassment, alarm or distress to any person in England and Wales, including behaviour that is intimidating or threatening.

He is also banned from being drunk or under the influence of alcohol or illegal substances in public, possessing an open container of alcohol in a public place other than licensed premises, and urinating or defecating in public.

The order further restricts him from entering any McDonald’s restaurant in Devon, as well as B&M, Go Outdoors, Tesco, Currys, Saltrock, Boots, Outcasts Devon, Bet Fred or Coral bookmakers.

He is also barred from Queen Anne’s Café on The Strand in Barnstaple, including the cloistered area to the front and the seating area to the side, and from entering any store from which he has received a written banning notice.

Neighbourhood Beat Manager PC Ben Beechey, who leads the Neighbourhood Policing Team in Barnstaple, said: “We’re pleased that Danny Hawkins is off the streets and is no longer able to cause issues in Barnstaple.

“Hawkins’ behaviour has caused disruption in the area for several months, and the theft of charity boxes demonstrates his blatant disregard for the community.

“The criminal behaviour order is a proactive tool that will help us to manage Hawkins robustly when he is eventually released, and we will continue to work with local residents and retailers to tackle anti-social behaviour and bring thieves to justice.

“I would like to thank each and every person who made reports and provided evidence that allowed us to target this offender. I’d also like to acknowledge the efforts of my team who work incredibly hard day in, day out, to make Barnstaple a safe place for everyone to live, work or visit.”