Man banned from Northampton Town Centre for anti-social behaviour

26 January 2023

A man has been banned from Northampton Town Centre following a successful Criminal Behaviour Order (CBO) application by West Northamptonshire Council (WNC).

At Wellingborough Magistrates’ Court on Friday last week (20 January), Chidubem Ebirim, known locally as ‘Andrew Knightley’ and, or ‘Commander’, received a CBO banning him from several areas of Northampton Town Centre.

The CBO was awarded on an interim basis, and the conditions were, ‘not to enter the area of Northampton Town Centre’, as outlined on the map attached to the CBO, which included The Guildhall, St Giles Square, St Giles Street, Abington Street and Fish Street.

WNC Anti-Social Behaviour Team applied for the CBO to protect the public and Council staff after Ebirim continually entered the Guildhall in St Giles Square, Northampton, despite being banned from the building.

He was verbally abusive and threatening to staff members and caused alarm and distress to members of the public, especially on Abington Street.

Ebirim was also sentenced to 18 weeks custody for a previous assault on Abington Street and three weeks' custody to run concurrently with the 18 weeks for resisting arrest.

“People should not have to put up with anti-social behaviour taking place in their communities and I am pleased that justice has been served to keep Northampton Town Centre safer.

"Our Council has a zero-tolerance approach to anti-social behaviour and abuse against our staff, and successful prosecutions such as this should send out a clear message that we will take strong action against offenders, including through the courts if necessary."Cllr David Smith, WNC’s Cabinet Member for community safety and engagement, and regulatory services.

A full hearing for the CBO will be held on 28 March at Northampton Magistrates’ Court.