News

Leonard Hockey

A judge’s decision to impose a civil injunction against a 51-year-old man, banning him from begging in Manchester city centre for two years, has been criticised by homelessness organisations as “criminalising” those who live on the street, writes Clare Jerrom.

Judge Richard Holman imposed the injunction against Leonard Hockey at Manchester county court following an application by Greater Manchester Police and Manchester Council under the Local Government Act 1972.

“This is a sad day for homeless people,” said Shaks Ghosh, Crisis’ chief executive. “The injunction to ban Leonard Hockey from Manchester city centre is yet another example of the coercion and criminalisation of beggars and street homeless people.”

Hockey has substance misuse problems, had been arrested 97 times and spent a total of seven years in prison for a variety of drug offences.

But Judge Holman said Hockey is not someone who is homeless and destitute, and said he had been a secure tenant at his current address for over a year.

The judge said: "The implied threat that he will resort to other serious criminal activity to feed his drug habits is not one to which the court can or should bow."

Hockey’s solicitor Ben Taylor said he will be advising his client to appeal against the decision, and warned the case would “open the flood gates to bring a number of injunctions against other beggars”.

Criminalising people does not work as it does not tackle the root of the problem, said Ghosh. “Giving homeless people a criminal record worsens their situation making it more difficult to find housing and jobs.”

“Leonard Hockey’s 97 arrests represent 97 opportunities for intervention and 97 failures,” he added.

Mike Tristram, director of The Simon Community said all too often the response is to “punish the most vulnerable and needy in society”, and this approach is likely to just move beggars on from one area to another.

Shelter’s director of external affairs Ben Jackson warned that this approach “is not going to work”. The charity would encourage local authorities to provide services that tackle the causes of homelessness such as drug and alcohol recovery services.

Manchester Council's executive member for housing Basil Curley said: "This sends a clear message to beggars that they should not be on the streets of Manchester city centre. There is no need for anyone to beg, because our treatment services and support are second to none."