Simon Wright begged for money next to a cash machine at Putney Station.
An intimidating street beggar who claimed he was homeless and pestered people for money in Putney was actually living in a £300,000 flat in Fulham, a court heard today.
Simon Wright, 37, spent his day sitting with his dog next to a cash machine near Putney Station, and then returned to his flat in Fulham High Street in the evening.
After collaboration between the Thamesfield ward safer neighbourhoods team and the council’s community safety department, Mr Wright has been given an ASBO, banning him from visiting Putney and Roehampton and from begging anywhere in London.
“Anyone who lives, works or shops in and around Putney High Street will be mightily relieved to see this unpleasant individual given his marching orders,” said Wandsworth community safety spokseman Cllr Jonathan Cook.
“His behaviour was an absolute disgrace. The fact that he was actually living in a comfortable flat in Fulham, something that many of his victims can only dream of, just adds insult to injury.”
Mr Wright deliberately targeted people making cash withdrawals, and was extremely aggressive and abusive to anyone who refused to give him money.
He can now only enter the SW15 area if he is attending a pre-arranged appointment with his solicitor or if he is taking his dog to see an RSPCA vet.
PC Strebel, the officer in charge of the case, said he was delighted that the hard work of so many had paid off.
“Following on from the successful prosecution of Simon Wright for fraud and begging – where he pleaded guilty to both charges in court, we were able to proceed with getting a post conviction asbo,” he said.
“This has ensured his permanent removal from the high street. This result is excellent news for Putney and the people of Putney.”
The order will remain in place until May 2015. If Mr Wright breaches any if its terms he could be sent to prison for up to five years and face an unlimited fine.
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