Norwich's policing commander has warned nuisance street drinkers in the city that they will be targeted, after a mother and son were given anti-social behaviour orders to prevent the pair causing problems in the city centre.

Eastern Daily Press: Nicola Ellis: Police picturesNicola Ellis: Police pictures (Image: Archant)

Nicola Ellis, 39, and her son Shane Greef, 20, appeared before Norwich magistrates on Friday, January 17 where they pleaded guilty to threatening behaviour.

The charge related to an incident in the city centre on the afternoon of November 26 last year when a woman walking in Bridewell Alley came across Ellis and Greef who were both drunk.

She stopped to see if they needed help only to be verbally abused and threatened by them.

The woman, aged in her 50s, called police and Ellis and Greef were arrested nearby and taken to Wymondham police investigation centre for questioning. Both were subsequently charged with threatening behaviour.

The defendants, both of Magdalen Road, Norwich, were fined £50 each and Ellis was also ordered to pay a £20 victim surcharge.

Police applied for CRASBOs for both Ellis and Greef in response to repeat calls concerning nuisance behaviour in the city centre.

Since April police have received 72 calls from members of the public concerning incidents, mainly over drunken rowdy behaviour and begging, involving Ellis. Thirty-two calls have been made since June regarding similar incidents involving Greef.

Ellis and Greef were issued with a two-year CRASBO which states they must not hold, drink or carry alcohol in a public place in the city centre, within the inner ring road.

The successful application comes after police launched a clampdown on begging and street drinking in the city centre in November last year following complaints from the public and businesses.

Superintendent Dave Marshall, Norwich policing commander, said: 'Ellis and Greef were repeatedly responsible for alcohol intimidation to members of the public who were simply going about their daily business or in the case outlined above just offering to help.

'These orders make it clear that Ellis and Greef cannot be in possession of alcohol in a public place in the city centre and the public can be reassured the conditions will be strictly enforced by my officers.

'Ellis was in fact arrested last night for breaching her CRASBO in Calvert Street and she remains in custody at this time.

'Regardless of how minor, alcohol-fuelled crime can have a significant impact on the quality of life for residents and we will continue to target prolific offenders and use CRASBOs as well as other tactics to combat this behaviour.'