A PERSISTENT beggar who lives in private accommodation could face up to five years in jail if she continues asking people for money.

Complaints have been made about Erica Purvis following reports of antisocial behaviour in Sunderland city centre.

Sunderland City Council said Purvis lives in a privately rented property with access to funds, and does not need to beg.

But an investigation was launched following complaints Northumbria Police, Sunderland BID, Nexus, and city centre visitors.

Throughout the investigation she was also offered referrals to relevant support services but would not engage.

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The council has now secured a two-year Criminal Behaviour Order against Purvis of Athol Road, Hendon, which bans her from begging in the city centre.

She can not approach any member of the public to solicit money, or loiter in any public place or throughfare with any sign, item, or animal or hold out her your hand giving the impression of begging.

Purvis is also banned from causing any disorder in the Park Lane interchange this includes the bus terminals and train station to the annoyance of Nexus staff.

She has been warned she could be jailed if she breaches any conditions of the order secured against her at South Tyneside Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday.

She was also given a 12-month conditional discharge.

Inspector Jamie Southwell, of Northumbria Police, said: “We are committed to ensuring our city centre is as safe as possible for everyone.

“That is only possible through close work with the council and other partners, and this is the result of what has been an excellent team effort.

"I welcome the order handed down to help tackle Purvis’ persistent anti-social behaviour, and we hope this will deter any future offending.

“I’d like to thank everyone involved, especially the officers who’ve shown outstanding determination and effort to help secure this outcome.”

The Criminal Behaviour Order for Purvis follows a breach of Community Protection Warning and Community Protection Notice.

The city council’s antisocial behaviour team said complaints had been received from members of the public whose visit to the city centre had been impacted by Purvis’s continued behaviour.

Businesses also stated trade was being affected.

Councillor Claire Rowntree, deputy leader of Sunderland City Council, said: “In cases like this, where an individual has persisted with antisocial behaviour despite a warning and Community Protection Notice, and will not engage in relevant support, we have no alternative but to seek legal action.

“Everyone has the right to feel safe in the city centre and should feel free to go about their business without being subjected to intimidating or threatening behaviour.

“Likewise, the city’s businesses should not be impacted by this. “We believe the securing of this Order sends a strong message that persistent anti-social begging will not be tolerated in this city.

"This is about getting tough on the kind of antisocial behaviour that has a negative impact on our communities.”

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