A prolific offender who terrorised taxi drivers across Newcastle has been jailed and barred from entering two city suburbs.
Tony Hall, 36, carried out a series of attacks on taxis and other vehicles in Heaton, Jesmond, Fenham, and the West End, causing thousands of pounds worth of damage.
Hall's actions prompted a joint investigation by Northumbria Police and Newcastle City Council's licensing department, resulting in a Criminal Behaviour Order (CBO).
Upon his release from a 32-week prison sentence, Hall will be banned from entering Heaton and Jesmond for two years. He is also prohibited from covering his face in public, touching vehicles without permission, and carrying items such as wood, stones, or sticks.
The CBO, granted at North Tyneside Magistrates' Court, was issued after Hall pleaded guilty to theft, fraud, and possession of crack cocaine.
Inspector Anita Morgan of Northumbria Police stated: "He has caused misery for a number of victims which is why we have carried out a wide-ranging investigation into his criminality."
She added: "To put it bluntly, he has completely exhausted all chances he has been offered to turn this behaviour around.
"No-one deserves to have to put up with this type of behaviour while going about their day-to-day lives and our hope is that now these measures have been put in place, we can manage Hall’s offending more effectively.
"If you do see Hall somewhere he shouldn’t be, then please get in touch," Inspector Morgan urged.
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