A prolific pair has been banned from entering a string of supermarkets and retailers across the region after a spell of ‘nuisance’ and ‘relentless’ behaviour.

The pair from South Tyneside have both been slapped with two-year Criminal Behaviour Orders after police officers raised concerns about their relentless offending.

Anne Marie Simpson, 36, of Woodbine Street, South Shields has racked up a record of 190 arrests and has previous offences for assault, burglary, and robbery.

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Her partner Christopher Rutherford, 40, of Hazlett Avenue, South Shields has an equally worrying record of 170 arrests, including offences for burglary, robbery and drug offences.

The Northern Echo: Anne Marie Simpson of Woodbine Street, South ShieldsAnne Marie Simpson of Woodbine Street, South Shields (Image: NORTHUMBRIA POLICE)

The pair have now both been handed two-year Criminal Behaviour Orders at South Tyneside Magistrates Court.

Simpson was handed her order on February 7 and now faces arrest if she enters any Asda, Heron Foods, Sainsbury’s and Tesco store in the Northumbria Police area, as well as the Next and Wilko stores in South Shields town centre. She also must not act in a way that is abusive, intimidating or threatening towards other people.

Rutherford appeared before magistrates on February 10 and pleaded guilty to a public order offence which saw him verbally abuse a staff member at Tesco Express on Prince Edward Road in South Shields on November 14 last year.

The Northern Echo: Christopher Rutherford of Hazlett Avenue, South ShieldsChristopher Rutherford of Hazlett Avenue, South Shields (Image: NORTHUMBRIA POLICE)

He was sentenced to one month behind bars, as well as being banned from Asda, Heron Foods, Next, Sainsbury’s and Tesco stores across South Tyneside.

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he pair were warned they could face further police action should they remain on any retail or commercial premises after being asked to leave by staff.

Both orders last for two years and will expire in 2025.

Inspector Louise McClennan, of Northumbria Police, said: “We hope those who live, work in and visit South Shields – and also the wider area – will join us in welcoming the restrictions placed upon Simpson and Rutherford.

“The majority of reports we’ve received about their anti-social behaviour centre around them causing alarm and disorder, making life miserable for those in the community, and especially for retail staff.

“The prolific pair have completely exhausted all chances they have been offered to turn their behaviour around and, instead of working with police and partners, both Simpson and Rutherford have continued to cause a nuisance and repeatedly break the law.

“Officers have worked tirelessly to secure two Criminal Behaviour Orders which will ban the duo from entering premises that have been most affected by their offending and help to keep the public and workers safe. Should Simpson and Rutherford choose to ignore the conditions of this agreement, they will face re-arrest and a potential jail term.

“We hope that this news offers reassurance to the wider community and, as a Force, we will continue to do all we can to act on concerns reported and bring effective justice against prolific offenders.”

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