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A trio of aggressive beggars, including a man who threatened to bite someone’s nose off after being told to move on, have been banned from Newcastle city centre.

In a landmark court ruling, Newcastle City Council has called on new powers from the Government for injunctions to bar three prolific beggars.

Martin Mattocks, Colin Martin and Lee Jackson Young have been banned from asking for money anywhere in the city centre.

A court heard Martin threatened to bite someone’s nose off after being asked to move on from outside a business in the city.

Mattocks threatened a member of the public after being asked to move on from outside a bar, while Young threatened a member of the public who intervened after he was hassling a young woman for change.

The men have been told not to ask anyone asking for money, they have been banned from bringing sleeping bags into the city centre, and told they must not have any device inviting donations or to hold donations.

Measures have also been taken in a bid to stop the men from harassing or abusing anyone in the city centre.

If the men breach the orders they will be arrested and could face jail time.

Coun Nick Kemp, Newcastle City Council cabinet member for neighbourhoods and regulatory services, said: “We are minded of the huge pressures facing many of our vulnerable citizens caused by the Government’s cuts in welfare spending and we are doing all that we possibly can to help shield them from the worst of these cuts.

“These men were persistent beggars who attracted scores of complaints of them behaving in an antisocial manner, so in the interests of the public the council has used new Government powers in this instance. We know from talking to city centre businesses and shoppers that beggars can have a negative impact on their trade and make them feel intimidated and fearful with their behaviour.

“However, we also appreciate that beggars can be extremely vulnerable.

“In many cases they are struggling with their own demons of drug and alcohol addictions, and mental health.

“We will discharge our duty of care to try to ensure that they get the accommodation and treatment they so often shun to try and stop them ending up begging on the streets again.”