A MAN has been handed a Criminal Behaviour Order prohibiting him from entering Weymouth for five years.

Peter Warren McGowen, aged 39 and of no fixed abode, was issued with the order at Weymouth Magistrates’ Court on Friday, March 10 2017 after he was convicted of failing to surrender to court bail.

Officers said that McGowen had a history of drug-related offending and anti-social behaviour in the Littlemoor area of Weymouth.

The Criminal Behaviour Order was secured under section 22 of the Anti-Social Behaviour Crime and Policing Act 2014 and is valid for five years – until March 9 2022.

The order states that Peter McGowen must not enter Weymouth.

Police Constable Chris Bevins, of Weymouth police, said: “Peter McGowen is a prolific offender who repeatedly targeted the most vulnerable members of society.

“Dorset Police regularly received reports of ‘cuckooing’ behaviour in which McGowen took over an address of a vulnerable person in order to deal drugs.

“This led to an increase in anti-social behaviour, with McGowen’s activities causing distress to nearby residents.

“Whenever McGowen moved to a different address the pattern of behaviour continued.

"We are glad that magistrates have agreed to this order, which will protect Weymouth residents from McGowen’s offending behaviour.”

Cllr Francis Drake, Weymouth and Portland Borough Council’s Briefholder for Community Safety, said: “Our Community Safety Team’s partnership with the police is crucial in order to make our area a safer place to live and visit.

“Residents and visitors of Weymouth should not have to put up with Mr McGowen’s behaviour.

“We’re glad he’ll be banned from entering Weymouth and will no longer be able to cause anti-social behaviour in the area.”