Urination ban for aggressive street beggar

AN aggressive beggar has been banned from urinating in public and threatening people.

Roderick Sandilands, who lives in a farm property in East Linton, was given the interim antisocial behaviour order following complaints about his behaviour in the Dunbar, West Barns, Haddington and Musselburgh areas of East Lothian.

At a hearing last week, Haddington Sheriff Court was presented with details of the 43-year-old's alleged behaviour.

The terms of the interim Asbo ban Sandilands from "behaving in a way that causes or is likely to cause alarm or distress to others". This includes being abusive, behaving in an aggressive or threatening manner, begging in an aggressive manner, consuming alcohol in a public place, urinating in a public place, or damaging property in Dunbar, West Barns, Haddington and Musselburgh.

The interim order is set to remain in force until a future court hearing has taken place to consider whether a full Asbo is appropriate.

East Lothian Council's antisocial behaviour team worked closely with police to compile the dossier of evidence that was used in court.