Man banned from golf course
A man who subjected golf course staff to months of abuse and nuisance is now banned after being served with a civil injunction.
In a case brought to Telford Magistrates’ Court by Telford & Wrekin Council, the civil injunction was granted against Matthew Popplewell.
After already being issued with a Community Protection Notice last year, Popplewell returned to the golf centre earlier this summer and was regularly abusive and intimidating towards staff.
The Council’s anti-social behaviour team was able to collate evidence and submit the case to court.
It means Popplewell is now banned from entering or remaining on the grounds of Horsehay Golf Centre, although he is able to use specified public rights of way.
It also prohibits Popplewell from using or threatening violence, or engaging in abusive, insulting, intimidating, threatening or sexually explicit words or behaviour towards golf centre employees or contractors.
The civil injunction will be in place for 12 months. It will be kept under review and has the possibility to be extended.
The court also ordered Popplewell to pay courts costs of £387.
Councillor Nathan England, Cabinet Member for Safer Streets and Better Housing, said:
"Nobody should have to tolerate abuse, intimidation or threatening behaviour simply for doing their job.
“We have a zero-tolerance approach to anti-social behaviour and will not hesitate to take robust action against those who make life difficult for our staff, residents or businesses.
“This injunction sends a clear message that persistent unacceptable behaviour has consequences."