Man banned from multiple shops in south Sefton after being handed Criminal Behaviour Order

A man has been banned from entering a number of shops in south Sefton after he was handed a Criminal Behaviour Order.

Mark Cunningham, 40, from Thornton, was issued the CBO at Sefton Magistrate’s Court on Thursday 29 January after he was convicted of failing to comply with a community protection order.

This was in relation to several reports we received that Cunningham had acted aggressively when asking for money outside shops and was causing fear and alarm for both staff and shoppers.

The CBO prohibits him from entering:

• Lidl, on Bridge Road, in Litherland
• Home Bargains, on Linacre Road, in Litherland
• Asda, on Strand Road, in Bootle
• One Stop Shop, on Linacre Lane, in Bootle
• Aldi, on Washington Parade, in Bootle

He has also been banned from:

• being in possession of any open can, bottle or other vessel containing alcohol in a public place
• asking anyone for money or engaging in any behaviour that can be perceived as begging in a public place
• loitering or sitting on the floor outside shops for the purpose of begging or in a manner perceived as begging

If Cunningham breaks the CBO, he would have committed a criminal offence and could be sent to prison or handed a fine. The CBO will remain in place until 28 January 2029.

Constable Andrew Ratcliffe said: “There is a clear difference between a vulnerable person seeking help and the actions of Cunningham, who crossed a line when acting aggressively with members of the public. We will never tolerate a person causing fear and alarm in our communities.

“Cunningham was convicted of failing to comply with a community protection order and is now the subject of a Criminal Behaviour Order. These CBOs are an effective tool and should he breach this order then he will be arrested and could be imprisoned.”

To report a crime taking place contact the Merseyside Police social media desk @MerPolCC on X and Facebook. You can also report information via our website: https://www.merseyside.police.uk/ro/report/ocr/af/how-to-report-a-crime/ or call 101.

Alternatively, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111, or via their website here: https://crimestoppers-uk.org/give-information/forms/give-information-anonymously.