Nuisance banned from Washington street - and faces jail if he sets foot there again

Neville Whiteford has been the subject of more than 50 police call-outs in connection with a flat in Wansbeck, Rickleton, since last summer, with dozens of reports of anti-social behaviour, intimidation and drink-fuelled disorder.

Now, after ignoring a string of warnings and advice from police and Sunderland City Council’s anti-social behaviour team, Whiteford has been banned from the street or attempting to communicate with anybody who lives there.

The 49-year-old, who regularly visited a woman living at Wansbeck, could be imprisoned if he ignores an indefinite Criminal Behaviour Order handed down by South Tyneside Magistrates’ Court.

PC Paul Wallace, of Northumbria Police, said: “We have received dozens of complaints which have led to officers receiving regular call-outs.

“His behaviour with the female occupant has led to unacceptable levels of disorder, with arguments spilling out into the street at unsociable hours and intimidating behaviour towards residents.

“They have made life a misery for families living nearby.

“I am now pleased the harmful impact he has been having has been recognised. Should he visit or attempt to contact anybody living in that area, he faces re-arrest and could be handed a custodial term.

“I would like to thank residents for their cooperation and hope this outcome offers them some reassurance. We could not have secured this outcome without their support – this shows the value of reporting any concerns to us.”

Read more: Nightmare neighbours forced out of Sunderland flat by court order

Police and the council were first alerted to problems in September 2019.

Residents reported Whiteford, of Dykes Way, Felling, would turn up and shout to be let in, and had been seen kicking wheelie bins and throwing litter all over the street.

Arguments often spilled out into the street late at night, with abusive and intimidating behaviour causing residents to fear for their safety.

On January 29, Whiteford was served with a Community Protection Notice banning him from the address, as well as contacting anyone in the block or causing harassment, alarm or distress.

However, he breached that on three occasions and pleaded guilty to each offence when he appeared before magistrates.

City council leader Councillor Graeme Miller added: “This sends out a clear message we are not prepared to tolerate noisy and anti-social behaviour in our communities. We will work with police to take action against those responsible.

“No resident should have to put up with anti-social behaviour. I would urge anyone who is facing problems like this to report them. The information will be treated confidentially and we can then all work together to tackle and resolve the problems.”

In a statement, a resident who has lived on the street for seven years, added: “They argue, scream and shout at each other. You can hear it out in the street coming from her flat and they also have fights that spill out into the street.

"Their arguments are violent and scary, and it scares me and my family. I am very intimidated by them.”

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