Four men have been handed fines amid a crackdown on anti-social behaviour in the busiest areas of Southend. 

Southend Council has enforced its Public Spaces Protection Orders (PSPOs) after several breaches.  

Recently, Southend Magistrates’ Court presided over several cases with the following outcomes:  

  • Rodney Vance, 45, of Southend, was directed to pay a £150 fine, £150 in costs, and a £60 victim surcharge for the single offence of begging. 
  • Dave Rawlinson, 46, of Westcliff, received a £150 fine, £150 in costs, and a £60 victim surcharge for the single offence of refusing to surrender alcohol. 
  • Steven Barton, 44, of no fixed abode, was fined £450, £150 in costs, and a £180 victim surcharge for one offence of refusing to surrender alcohol and two offences of begging. 
  • Ali Khan, 20, of Southchurch, received a fine of £100, £150 in costs, and a £40 victim surcharge for the single offence of cycling. 

James Courtenay, Southend councillor responsible for community safety and public protection, said: “We want everyone who visits our lively city centre to have an enjoyable experience, free from anti-social behaviour, and to feel secure in our public spaces. 

“Our Public Spaces Protection Orders empower us to take action against those who violate them. Non-compliance with a PSPO constitutes a criminal offence and may lead to prosecution. This recent series of prosecutions underscores our strong commitment to ensuring the safety and wellbeing of our city's busiest areas, helping to reduce anti-social behaviour.”